Liam Livingstone's 87 helps England level T20I series against Australia
Liam Livingstone's exceptional performance led England to a three-wicket victory over Australia in the second T20I at Sophia Gardens. This win has leveled the bilateral series at 1-1 with one match remaining. Chasing a target of 194 runs, Livingstone scored a remarkable 87 runs from just 47 deliveries, setting a new record for the highest successful run chase at this venue in T20Is.
Livingstone's 2nd T20I half-century in his 50th match
The match marked Livingstone's 50th appearance for England in T20Is and he celebrated this milestone with his second half-century in the format. His impressive innings included five sixes and six boundaries, contributing significantly to England's successful run chase. This was Livingstone's highest score in more than three years as he has raced to 815 T20I runs at 26.29 with his strike rate being 151.48 (50s: 2, 100: 1).
Livingstone and Bethell's partnership stuns Australia
Livingstone, who also claimed 2-16 from three overs with the ball, formed a formidable 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket with young talent Jacob Bethell. This partnership proved instrumental in England's victory. Notably, England were struggling at 34/2 when Livingstone arrived to bat. Bethell contributed an entertaining 44 runs off just 24 balls that included three sixes, further bolstering England's run chase against Australia.
Short's 5-wicket haul and Fraser-McGurk's half-century
Despite the loss, part-time spinner Matt Short achieved his maiden professional five-wicket haul with figures of 5-22 in three overs. This is the third-best bowling figures by an Australian in men's T20Is. On the other hand, Jake Fraser-McGurk (50 off 31) scored his first international T20 half-century for Australia, contributing significantly to their total score of 193/6.
How did the game pan out?
Australia's opening pair, Travis Head (31) and Matthew Short (28), provided a strong start to the match by adding 52 runs in just 4.2 overs. Besides Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (42) also played a crucial role in powering Australia to 193/6. However, Livingstone's exceptional 87 led England to a three-wicket victory. Skipper Philip Salt made 39 as Short's five-wicket haul went in vain.
