Alex Hales hit a record-breaking unbeaten 116 to propel England to their first win of this year’s ICC World Twenty 20. 

Hales became the first English T20 centurion as he ruthlessly overcame the Sri Lankan attack with an exhibition in big hitting. 

After twice reaching 99 in the game’s shortest format, once for his country and once for Nottinghamshire, Hales expressed his delight at finally reaching the milestone.

"I always had the confidence I would get the chance again," he said.

"Hundreds don't come around very often in the short format so I'm buzzing I got it today and in a huge fixture for our country.”

"I felt a big score was close," - Alex Hales

After being set a total of 190 to win by Sri Lanka, thanks to a combination of intelligent batting and poor fielding, England were set back early, losing Michael Lumb and Moeen Ali in successive deliveries.

Under pressure, Hales and Eoin Morgan forged a matchwinning partnership of 150 for the third wicket.

"It wasn't an ideal start but we saw by the way they batted it was an excellent wicket and the way Morgy came in straight away and took the game back to them made my job a lot easier," Hales said.

"We had plans to stay in the game as long as we could, get a partnership and reassess at the halfway stage.

"We needed about 12 an over so we always knew it would be a tough ask.

"Morgy played brilliantly and then Ravi came in against the danger man Malinga and hit the first two balls for four. It was brilliant to see."

While still fourth in the group, the circumstances of England’s victory will set up their remaining fixtures against South Africa and the Netherlands up nicely, with the bonus of having a game in hand on two of the sides above them.

After a disappointing winter, the limited-overs side showed signs of improvement and in-form Hales is eyeing a place in the tournament’s knockout stages.

“We are underdogs in this tournament, playing in the subcontinent historically we haven't gone too well," he said.

"This win will help us build momentum for the next two games, we've still got to play Holland and SA. I think if we perform to the best of our ability we'll get two wins."

“I probably didn't do as well in the Big Bash as I'd have liked.

"But I've still felt confident, I've been hitting the ball well in the nets and felt a big score was close. I'm pleased it came today in a winning side."

Twenty20 cricket returns to Trent Bridge in May with the launch of the Natwest T20 Blast. Lancashire will be the first to face off against Hales and the Outlaws side. To witness the spectacle, move quickly and secure your seats now.