Liam Livingstone marked his 50th T20I cap with a breathtaking all-round performance, scoring a remarkable 87 off 47 balls and taking 2 for 16 to help England level the series 1-1 against Australia in Cardiff.
Chasing a target of 194, England faced early trouble at 79 for 3 in the ninth over, but Livingstone’s composed knock and a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell (44 off 24) ensured they reached the target with an over to spare.
Livingstone and Bethell added a vital 90 runs off 47 balls, countering Australia’s spinners effectively. Bethell, playing in only his second T20I, smashed four consecutive boundaries off Adam Zampa, while Livingstone continued to dominate despite a scare against Matthew Short’s off-spin. Bethell was eventually bowled reverse-sweeping, but Livingstone’s mature innings guided England home, though he was dismissed with the scores tied.
Earlier in the match, Australia’s total of 193/6 was anchored by Jake Fraser-McGurk’s maiden international half-century (50), with support from Josh Inglis (42) and Travis Head (31). Livingstone also shone with the ball, taking two key middle-overs wickets to slow Australia’s momentum. Despite a solid start from Australia, England’s bowlers, particularly Brydon Carse (2 for 26), kept the target within reach.
Australia’s bowling attack, missing key players like Xavier Bartlett and the rested Josh Hazlewood, struggled to contain Livingstone and Bethell. Matthew Short‘s impressive 5 for 22 was not enough to prevent England from sealing a memorable victory. The series decider will be played in Manchester on Sunday.
