Scorecard England vs Australia 2nd T20i 2024,
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 tied at 1-1
Liam Livingstone smashed an awesome 87 from 47 balls, leading England to a win over Australia in the second T20, tying the series.
The hard-hitting all-rounder made his 50th T20 international a big one. He took 2-16 with the ball and then hit six fours and five sixes to get his second T20I half-century.
Livingstone and Jacob Bethell, who was only in his second international match, put together a 90-run partnership. England chased down 194 with six balls left.
Bethell played a quieter role at first but came alive when he hit Adam Zampa for 20 runs in one over, ending with 44 off 24 balls.
There was a little trouble when Bethell got out, but Livingstone steadied things. He only got out when the scores were tied. Matthew Short, a part-time spinner, took an impressive 5-22.
Jake Fraser-McGurk was the standout batter for Australia, hitting his first international fifty. Josh Inglis added 42, and Australia posted a competitive 193-6.
But England matched the highest T20 chase at Sophia Gardens, breaking a T20 international record and setting up a series decider at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Livingstone shows his class!
Livingstone batted at four in this series and made the most of it in both games.
He was England’s best batter in the first game but couldn’t lead them to victory. This time, the 31-year-old didn’t mess up. He played a smart and powerful T20 innings, keeping England in the game.
Livingstone came in when England was 34-2 after Sean Abbott took two wickets. Phil Salt was still there, having hit three sixes, but after he got out for 39, England needed a partnership.
Livingstone and Bethell stepped up. Livingstone smashed Cameron Green for four, then six, and sent Marcus Stoinis into the stands twice to reach his 50 in just 27 balls.
Bethell, at the other end, found his rhythm by smashing Cooper Connolly for six and then taking down Zampa. Bethell’s 24-ball 44 is the highest score by an England batter under 20 in T20s.
Livingstone has often batted lower down the order, but this showed what he can do, setting up an exciting third match.
Carse shines, Australia start strong
Australia started aggressively, just like the first game. Short hit a huge six off Reece Topley’s second ball, and Travis Head, captaining for the first time, cleared the boundaries twice as Australia reached 50 in four overs.
But England fought back before the powerplay ended. Carse, looking sharp, got rid of Head for 31.
England slowed Australia down even more with Adil Rashid and Livingstone’s spin causing problems. Carse bowled well, mixing in slower deliveries and speeding it up to over 90mph.
Fraser-McGurk played a great knock, hitting four fours and two sixes to reach his half-century in 29 balls. He was dismissed by Livingstone shortly after, caught by Jamie Overton at long-on. Marcus Stoinis got out similarly two overs later.
Carse returned to take Tim David’s wicket, but Inglis kept Australia going for a big finish.
Inglis was dismissed by Sam Curran, but Cameron Green and Aaron Hardie took 20 runs off Curran in the final over to end Australia’s innings on a high note.
Reactions
England captain Phil Salt: “What Liam did was amazing, we all know he can do that. Bethell also impressed me, not just with his skill but how he handled the pressure and took down their best bowler.”
Australia captain Travis Head: “We were in the game and came close. Sometimes you just follow your instincts and plans, but it doesn’t always work out.”
Player of the match, England’s Liam Livingstone: “Towards the end of The Hundred, I felt like I was finally getting my body back to normal after a rough few years. I’ve learned a lot from it, but now I’m enjoying my cricket again and playing with a smile.”
Also Read: Head Shines again as England Lose by 28 Runs: England vs Australia First T20i
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