Punjab Kings all-rounder's record-breaking fifer in vain as Liam Livingstone's 87-run knock leads England to 3-wicket win over Australia

Australia all-rounder Matthew Short's record-breaking five-wicket haul went in vain as Liam Livingstone's 87-run knock led England to a three-wicket win over Australia to level the series 1-1. In the absence of an unwell Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head led Australia. Jake Fraser-McGurk's maiden T20I fifty helped Austrlaia post a total of 193/6. Livingstone's 47-ball 87 and Jacob Bethell's 44-run knocked led the hosts to victory with an over to spare.
 

McGurk hits fifty

Earlier, England captain Phil Salt won the toss and opted to bowl first at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Short attacked Reece Topley hitting him for two fours and a six in the first over. Skipper Head played in his typical fashion and scored 31 runs from just 14 balls. Fraser-McGurk smashed Sam Curran for three fours in a row in the sixth over. Adil Rashid and Brydon Carse slowed down the proceedings. Rashid knocked over Short who scored 28 runs from 24 balls. 
 

In the 13th over, Fraser-McGurk reached his maiden T20I fifty from 29 balls. In the same over, Linvingstone dismissed him. His 31-ball 50 was laced with four fours and a couple of sixes. Marcus Stoinis could not make an impact either and lost his wicket to Livingstone in the 15th over. Josh Inglis went on a rampage in the slog overs. Carse finished his quota of overs with Tim David's wicket. Curran came back into the attack and dismissed Inglis who scored 42 runs from 26 balls. In the final over, Aaron Hardie hit Curran for two fours and a six. Hardie's nine-ball 20 helped Australia post 193/6.

ALSO READ: WNBA: Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington in race to Qualify as action shifts to the final week
 

Short’s timely strikes

In the third over of the run chase, Salt broke the shackles and hit Hardie for three sixes in a row. Sean Abbott struck twice in the fourth over dismissing Will Jacks and Jordan Cox. Livingstone made used of the powerplay by taking on Stoinis and Abbott. In the ninth over, Short was introduced into the attack and he delivered with Salt's wicket. The opener scored 39 runs from 23 balls. Livingstone and Bethell took control of the run chase. Salt hit Stoinis for two sixes and a four in the 13th over. He reached his fifty from 27 balls.

ALSO READ: Kevin Durant snubs Steph Curry in NBA 2K25's 'Perfect' starting five, Chooses 5x All-Star Instead
 

Bethell, Livingstone take England to doorstep of victory

Bethell attacked Zampa and hit the leggie for a six and three fours to bring the required run rate down. In the 17th over, Short struck twice. Bethell got knocked over whereas Curran fell on the second delivery he faced. Bethell's 44-run knock included four fours and three sixes. But the required run rate was not threatening. In the 19th over, Livingstone hit a six and a four before getting bowled by Short. The off-spinner dismissed Carse for a golden duck as well. But his fifer was a consolation as Rashid took a single and finished the run chase.
 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK

WWE veteran backs Logan Paul amidst his online beef with Hall of Fame Kevin Nash, says 'he influences how wrestling is..'
Detroit Lions Legend and Hall of Famer Joe Schmidt passes away at 92