Alex Hales set a new benchmark for the highest individual score in the T10 League in Sharjah, just 24 hours after England team-mate Jonny Bairstow raised the bar.

Bairstow, batting for Kerala Knights, smashed 84 not out from only 24 balls on Friday for the highest score in the competition’s history with an incredible eight hits over the fence. But Hales bettered the mark for his Maratha Arabians team on Saturday.

The 29-year-old opener hit six fours and eight sixes in his unbeaten knock of 87 from 32 balls to help his team reach the target of 136 to and defeat Bengal Tigers by seven wickets in the Eliminator clash.

However, Hales’ form didn’t extend to the second Qualifier as he was dismissed for six in the clash against Northern Warriors for the right to take on Pakhtoon in the final on Sunday.