Finch’s record 156 takes Aussies to 248

SOUTHAMPTON, England: Opener Aaron Finch smashed a record 156 to steer Australia to 248-6 in the first Twenty20 International here at The Rose Bowl on Thursday.

Sent into bat by England captain Jos Buttler, Australia made the second highest total in a T20 international behind Sri Lanka's 260 for six against Kenya in Johannesburg in 2007, and the highest by one Test nation against another in this format.

Finch smashed 14 sixes and eleven boundaries in his 63-ball innings to set a world record for the highest individual score in all T20 internationals and the first century by an Australian at this level.

This the first t20 international of a two-match series.