Matthew Short claims historic T20I fifer for Australia: Details
Albeit in a losing cause, Australian all-rounder Matthew Short claimed a historic fifer in the second T20I against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. As per ESPNcricinfo, the off-spinner, who claimed 5/22 in three overs, became the first full-member team player to open the batting and register a fifer in T20Is. Earlier, he made a 24-ball 28 while batting at the top. Here are further details.
A remarkable spell from Short
England skipper Philip Salt (39) was Short's first victim of the night. He then broke a 90-run stand between Liam Livingstone (87) and Jacob Bethell (44) by dismissing the latter. He eventually trapped Livingstone as well. Short also sent back Sam Curran (1) and Brydon Carse (0) cheaply. Despite his efforts, England (194/7) accomplished the 194-run target in 19 overs.
Short scripts history for Australia
As per ESPNcricinfo, Short claimed the third-best figures by an Australian in men's T20Is. He is only behind spinners Ashton Agar (6/30 vs New Zealand, 2021) and Adam Zampa (5/19 vs Bangladesh, 2021). Meanwhile, this was also Short's maiden fifer in professional cricket. Across 11 T20Is, he now owns seven wickets and 252 runs at 25.20 (50: 1).
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. Josh Inglis (42) also played a crucial role in powering Australia to 193/6. However, Liam Livingstone's exceptional 87 led England to a three-wicket victory. He was involved in a brilliant 90-run stand with Jacob Bethell (44). Skipper Philip Salt made 39 as Short's five-wicket haul went in vain.
Do you know?
As per statistician Mazher Arshad, Short became the first Australian in the history of men's international cricket to complete a fifer as a seventh bowler. Australia used seven bowlers in the game and Short was the last one.
