Joe Root has become the first century-maker at the 2019 ICC World Cup.
The England batsman pinched a single to reach 100 off 97 balls against Pakistan, helping the team to 238-4 chasing 349 to win. He was dropped in the slips when on just 9.
Root was the 20th batsman to make a half-century in this tournament but the previous 19 — including three from Pakistan in this match — failed to convert to a hundred.
Following Root, Jos Buttler joined him in reaching three figures, and his century was even quicker than his teammate's — off just 75 balls. Buttler’s 100 in fact was the fastest World Cup century by an England player.
Fastest Hundreds for England in World Cup Matches
- Jos Buttler (off 75 balls) vs Pakistan in 2019
- Kevin Pietersen (off 90 balls) vs West Indies in 2007
- Moeen Ali (off 91 balls) vs Scotland in 2015
- Joe Root (off 97 balls) vs Pakistan in 2019
- Andrew Strauss (off 99 balls) vs India 2011
However, much like Root, soon after scoring his century, Buttler was out for 103, top-edging to short third man.
England are chasing Pakistan’s 348/8 but slumped to 128-4.
The current record run chase at a World Cup was made by Ireland, with its 329-7 to beat England in Bangalore in 2011.