Liam Livingstone his 87 runs from 47 balls as England levelled their T20 series against Australia on Friday night.
The all-rounder marked his 50th T20 international in style, taking two wickets in the same match.
His run at the crease with the bat was spectacular. Livingstone hit six fours and five sixes to notch his second half-century in T20.
England relished the chase at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, with 194 the magic number to catch.
Jacob Bethell put on a strong partnership with Livingstone and had 44 runs himself, with Phil Salt also knocking 39 from 23 balls.
The win made Jordan Cox, Sam Curran and Brydon Carse’s poor innings with the bat irrelevant.
Livingstone fireworks 💥
Bethell makes his mark 👏
Three Lions level the series 🦁
Full #ENGVAUS highlights 👇— England Cricket (@englandcricket) SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
It means the series will go to a decider at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Livingston said: “Towards the end of The Hundred I felt I was getting my body back to normal, which is a thing that has bothered me the last couple of years.
“It has taught me a few life lessons but I am enjoying my cricket and playing with a smile on my face.”
Captain Salt added: “What Liam did was incredible, we all know he is capable of that.
“To see Bethell to come out to play the way he did, not just the skill but the way he paced it and took probably their best bowler down, I was really impressed.”
It was not a great night for Australia, although they still could have nicked the win with a bit more of an edge to their bowling.
Aussie captain Travis Head admits he may have made a few wrong decisions in the game but is not going to beat himself up about it.
He said: “We were right in the hunt and we were close.
“You go with your gut and your game plan, we’ll sit down but you play your best and sometimes it doesn’t come off.”
