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 wins by three wickets; series level at 1-1
Scorecard
Liam Livingstone smashed a super 87 from 47 balls to chief England to a series-leveling three-wicket win over Australia.
The big-hitting all-rounder marked his 50th T20 international look in style as he took 2-16 with the ball before bludgeoning six fours and five sixes in making just his second T20 half-century.
Livingstone put on 90 with Jacob Bethell, in just his second worldwide game. As England chased down 194 with six balls to spare in Cardiff.
Bethell played second-fiddle to Livingstone early on but blasted 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 fired but Livingstone settled it down. Falling only when the scores were level, as part-time spinner Matthew Short took a amazing 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, equaling the highest successful T20 chase at Sophia Gardens & setting a new T20 international record to set up a decider at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Livingstone offers Brutal Recap of Quality:
Moved up to bat at four in this series, Livingstone has taken his chance in the first two games.
He was the pick of the England batters in Southampton but was unable to take his side to their target.
The 31-year-old made no such mistake this time as he made a brilliant T20 innings. Showing calm alongside his critical hitting to ensure the hosts never fell too far behind in the chase.
He reached at crease after two wickets in fine over Sean Abbott had put Australia on top, with England 34-2.
Phil Salt was still there, having hit a trio of sixes to get England’s innings going. But when he fell for a brisk 39, the host lengthy tail came into view & need for a partnership.
Livingstone & Bethell rose to the event, with the former ramping Cameron Green for four then six prior to carting Marcus Stoinis into the stands two balls running to bring up a 27-ball fifty.
At the other end, 20-year-old Bethell overcame a slightly tentative start by walloping left-arm spinner. Cooper Connolly for six and followed it up with his takedown of Zampa.
It was just a 24-ball innings but Bethell’s presentation is one that will excite – 44 is the highest score by an England batter aged 20 or under in T20s.
But this was a stark reminder of what he is capable of as he confirmed there is something riding on the T20 in Manchester.
