In this article, we will discuss the thrilling second T20I between England and Australia, which took place in Cardiff on September 13, 2024. England, needing a victory to level the series, pulled off a dramatic three-wicket win with an over to spare, thanks to a blistering 87 off 47 balls by Liam Livingstone and a crucial supporting role by young allrounder Jacob Bethell.
Australia’s total of 193, built around Jake Fraser-McGurk’s maiden international half-century, seemed formidable, but England’s resilient chase, despite a late collapse triggered by Matthew Short’s five-wicket haul, ensured a series-levelling victory.
In the 2nd T20I of Australia’s tour of England, held in Cardiff on September 13, 2024, Australia posted a competitive total of 193/6 in their 20 overs. England, chasing 194 for victory, reached the target at 194/7 in 19 overs, winning by 3 wickets with 6 balls to spare. It was a thrilling finish, with England showing resilience in their chase to clinch the win.
Australia’s total of 193 largely revolved around Jake Fraser-McGurk’s maiden international half-century and Josh Inglis’s 42. Despite a quick start, Australia lacked depth in their bowling attack with Xavier Bartlett sidelined by a side strain and Josh Hazlewood rested.
Fraser-McGurk, left out of the previous match after a series of low scores in Scotland, was given another chance due to Mitchell Marsh’s illness, which saw Travis Head lead Australia for the first time. After Matthew Short and Head gave Australia a flying start, with Head smashing 31 off 13 balls, Fraser-McGurk capitalized on his opportunity at No. 3.
Head was dismissed by Brydon Carse’s extra pace, but Fraser-McGurk kept the momentum going, launching Sam Curran for three consecutive boundaries as Australia reached 67 for 1 by the end of the Powerplay. Despite some struggles against Adil Rashid, Fraser-McGurk managed to hit the leg-spinner for a straight six before Rashid bowled Short for 28 with a well-disguised googly.
England, chasing 194 to set up a decider in Manchester, found themselves in trouble at 79 for 3 in the ninth over after Phil Salt holed out to long-on off Matthew Short. However, Livingstone formed a vital partnership with young allrounder Jacob Bethell, adding 90 runs in just 47 balls.
Despite a brief scare against Short’s offspin, England sealed the victory with an over to spare. Bethell, who was handed his England cap by Livingstone just days earlier, impressed by dismantling Australia’s spinners, particularly Adam Zampa, off whom he hit four consecutive boundaries that swung the momentum.
Bethell was bowled trying to reverse sweep with 25 runs still needed, but Livingstone stayed calm to guide England to the finish line. Batting at No. 4 in a youthful side, Livingstone was under pressure to secure his spot in the England setup, and he delivered spectacularly, having top-scored and taken key wickets in both games of the series so far. Although he missed out on the final blow—bowled by Short with the scores tied—his innings was still match-winning, laced with five powerful sixes.
Livingstone played a pivotal role in the middle overs, removing both Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis, caught in the deep by Jamie Overton. Fraser-McGurk had earlier showcased his range by smashing Reece Topley for a six over deep point. Carse, returning to the national team after a ban, impressed with 2 for 26, including the crucial wicket of Tim David. However, Jamie Overton dropped a crucial catch off Cameron Green, and Aaron Hardie punished Sam Curran in the final over to propel Australia to a daunting 193.
In England’s chase, Salt provided early momentum, smashing Hardie for three consecutive sixes, though Will Jacks fell cheaply for the second game in a row. Sean Abbott capitalized by taking two wickets in his first three balls, dismissing Jacks and Jordan Cox to leave England wobbling. Zampa briefly slowed things down, and Australia’s stand-in skipper Head gambled by bringing Short into the attack against two right-handers—a move that nearly paid off.
Livingstone and Bethell, however, responded in style. Livingstone tore into Australia’s seamers, while Bethell took down the spinners with ease. Just when England seemed in control, Short struck back with his first-ever five-wicket haul in professional cricket, triggering a collapse.
Bethell was bowled attempting a reverse sweep, Curran hit one to extra cover, Livingstone missed a straight ball, and Carse picked out mid-on. With Short on a hat-trick, Rashid calmly guided the winning single through point, ensuring England’s victory and setting up a thrilling series decider.
Australia – 193/6 (20)
England – 194/7 (19/20)
Result – England won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match – Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone
Australia | Matthew Short, Travis Head (c), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa |
England | Phil Salt (c), Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley |
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