Eoin Morgan inspires England T20 win over Australia
Last updated on .From the section Cricket
| Twenty20 international, Cardiff |
| England 182-5 (20 overs): Morgan 74, Moeen 72*; Cummins 2-25 |
| Australia 177-8 (20 overs): Smith 90, Willey 2-34 |
| England won by five runs |
| Scorecard |
England captain Eoin Morgan struck seven sixes in a thrilling 74 as his team beat Australia by five runs in a tense one-off Twenty20 at Cardiff.
Morgan and Moeen Ali (72 not out) shared a third-wicket partnership of 135 in 75 deliveries as the hosts smashed their way to 182-5.
However, in reply Australia looked to be coasting home as captain Steve Smith hit an imperious 90 from 53 balls.
But he was caught with 18 still needed as Australia lost 5-16 in 14 balls.
A total beyond 200 looked likely with Morgan in full flow. In his first innings for 30 days following a break from the game, the Dublin-born left-hander passed Kevin Pietersen to become England's highest T20 run-scorer.
But when he was caught on the boundary rope by Shane Watson attempting to send Nathan Coulter-Nile for a maximum, England managed just 29 runs off the final 22 balls.
When Australia batted, the recalled Watson was dismissed in bizarre fashion as he tried to defend a good length delivery from Steven Finn.
With the ball heading towards the stumps, the 34-year-old failed to kick it clear and was bowled.
Smith shared a stand of 112 with Glenn Maxwell, who was brilliantly caught in the deep by Ben Stokes off man-of-the-match Moeen's first ball.
The captain's unorthodox but clean hitting produced seven fours and four sixes, bringing up a first half-century in his 17th T20.
However, David Willey made the crucial breakthrough as Smith looked to clear deep mid-wicket but could only pick out Sam Billings.
With the visitors requiring 12 from the final over, they lost three wickets - including the run outs of Michael Wade and Pat Cummins - as Stokes held his nerve brilliantly to clinch another victory for England over Australia, following their Ashes success this summer.
The teams now contest a five-match one-day international series, beginning at Southampton on Thursday.
