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.

That match is live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 14:00 BST, with radio commentary on BBC Sounds and text updates on the website and app.

Source: BBC 

BDST: 1408 HRS, SEPT 14, 2024
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