<p>After two centuries  an astonishing one by Jos Buttler and a more measured maiden hundred by Jason Roy  England won the final match of the ODI series by 84 runs, thereby taking the series 3-1.</p> <p>The margin of victory was substantial again but this was easily the most exhilarating game of the series, full of vigorous strokeplay as Pakistan did their best to chase 356 for victory.</p> <p>In essence Buttler almost ruined the match by smashing a century in 46 balls, 16 of which were hit for four or six. But while the contest may have been diminished by the margin of victory Buttler provided a stunning demonstration of modern ODI batting, one that very few players on the globe can match.</p> <p>Buttler has now hit the three <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/211608.html" title="">fastest centuries for England in ODI cricket</a>. Friday nights staggering innings beat his own record of 61 balls, set <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/31/sri-lanka-hold-nerve-to-withstand-jos-buttlers-assault-for-england" title="">against the Sri Lankans at Lords in 2014</a>. In their last 10 overs England amassed 129 runs, compared with the 56 they managed from a similar position in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/13/alex-hales-century-england-pakistan-odi-series" title="">the second match in Abu Dhabi</a>.</p> <p>Eoin Morgan had looked on from the balcony watching the best ODI knock Ive seen in an England shirt. Im lost for words  though surprise is not one Im looking for. I thought the pitch was a bit two-paced when I was batting but it must have got better, he quipped.</p> <p>Morgans greatest contribution to the victory may have been having the wit to promote Buttler to No4 once the foundation had been laid.</p> <p>Buttler was devastating no matter who was bowling or where they bowled. His second 50 took 16 balls. One moment there was astonishment at the power of his hitting, the next at the audacity and inventiveness of deflections behind the wicket. One six over midwicket off Anwar Ali sailed into the second tier of the stand, the ball travelling about 95 yards. Then he was gliding blameless deliveries over his left shoulder and the wicketkeepers head, or reverse-flicking the ball down to the vacant third man region.</p> <p>There was barely any foot movement whatever shot he played but he can hardly be criticised for that. Buttler, like AB de Villiers of South Africa, has transformed how the game is played and there are very few players out there who can emulate how he goes about batting in white-ball cricket. In fact Buttler, speaking so softly for a man who hits the ball so hard, mentioned De Villiers as an inspiration: He has changed the game completely. Everyone has been watching him and we want to emulate him. One or two of the shots played by Buttler may not even be in De Villiers armoury.</p> <p>The foundation had been laid, mostly by Roy, though he was ably assisted by Joe Root who hit a run-a-ball 71. By comparison Roys hundred was unremarkable. It many ways it was, however, more significant. Buttlers special talent was well known even if it has been latent for a while but Roy had never progressed beyond his shirt number (67) before. Here he entered new territory, posting a hundred, which obviously meant a lot to him. The gulf between 99 and 100 will always remain massive and one of crickets absurd idiosyncrasies. So this time Roy made sure that he got to three figures.</p> <p>It has become apparent that Roy places considerable emphasis on energy conservation when batting. He will run the first one quickly  as the textbooks demand  but only if there is a good chance of coming back for a second. He likes, if possible, to stay cool both physically and metaphorically. But when Roy cut a short ball to deep cover for his 100th run he hared down the pitch and just before reaching the other end he leapt high and punched the air with abandon.</p> <p>A coveted landmark had been reached and his status as Englands one-day opener had been cemented, even though Roys innings would be overshadowed by Buttlers. Until last night this was not a ground with many happy memories for Englands keeper. I feel a bit better than after <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/27/james-taylor-england-jos-buttler-jonny-bairstow-pakistan" title="">being dropped following the Test</a>, said Buttler.</p> <p>Pakistan chased their huge target bravely but the English bowlers, who knew that they would be subjected to an onslaught, just about held their nerve. Morgan was grateful that David Willey snatched two early wickets against flailing batsmen. Adil Rashid picked up three but inevitably they were costly.</p> <p>Englands out-cricket remained firm. Alex Hales on the leg-side boundary dropped one straightforward catch but, to his credit, when two much more difficult chances came his way he grabbed them eagerly.</p> <p>So, as in 2012, after a comprehensive defeat against Pakistan in the Tests England have prevailed in the ODIs. They did so against a limited Pakistan side but one which gave the impression to those actually at the game that they were busting a gut. Three T20 matches follow after England have played the UAE and Morgans side, who are patently enjoying their cricket, remain the favourites.</p>