Livingstone powers England to T20 series decider against Australia

CARDIFF: Liam Livingstone smashed a brilliant 87 from 47 balls to lead England to a thrilling three-wicket win over Australia at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, leveling the three-match T20 series 1-1 on Friday. The victory sets up an exciting decider in Manchester on Sunday.

Australia had set a challenging target of 194, with Jake Fraser-McGurk impressing by scoring his first international half-century. England’s captain, Phil Salt, gave his team a strong start, hitting three consecutive sixes in the third over, but Australia’s Sean Abbott responded by taking two quick wickets. Fraser-McGurk caught Will Jacks for 12, and Jordan Cox was bowled for a duck.

Salt’s dismissal for 39 off 23 balls left England wobbling, but Livingstone’s superb knock, combined with newcomer Jacob Bethell’s 44 from 24 balls, steadied the chase and carried the hosts to victory. Livingstone’s innings marked his second half-century in his 50th T20 match for England, cementing his place as a key player in the squad.