3 months ago
12
Second T20, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Australia 193-6 (20 overs): Fraser-McGurk 50 (31), Inglis 42 (26); Livingstone 2-16
England 194-7 (19 overs): Livingstone 87 (47), Bethell 44 (24); Short 5-22
England win by three wickets; series level at 1-1
Liam Livingstone smashed a superb 87 from 47 balls to lead England to a series-levelling three-wicket win over Australia in the second T20.
The big-hitting all-rounder marked his 50th T20 international appearance in style as he took 2-16 with the ball before bludgeoning six fours and five sixes in making just his second T20I half-century.
Livingstone put on 90 with Jacob Bethell, in just his second international game, as England chased down 194 with six balls to spare in Cardiff.
Bethell played second-fiddle to Livingstone early on but exploded into life as he took talismanic Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa for 20 in an over during an eye-catching knock of 44 from 24 balls.
There was a slight wobble after Bethell was dismissed but Livingstone settled it down, falling only when the scores were level, as part-time spinner Matthew Short took a remarkable 5-22.
Jake Fraser-McGurk was the standout for Australia with the bat, hitting his maiden international fifty, with Josh Inglis adding 42 as the visitors posted a challenging 193-6.
But England were up to the task, equalling the highest successful T20 chase at Sophia Gardens and setting a new T20 international record to set up a decider at Old Trafford on Sunday.
More to follow.
