The England cricket team players celebrate after beating Australia [Source: theguardian]
England pulled off a remarkable fightback to beat Australia by two runs in a thrilling first Twenty20 international at the Ageas Bowl.
Chasing 163, Australia were cruising to victory – needing just 39 from 38 balls with nine wickets remaining.
But the wicket of Steve Smith, one of two wickets to fall in Adil Rashid’s final over, sparked a collapse of 4-9 in 14 deliveries.
Ashton Agar was run out from the final ball of the penultimate over leaving the tourists needing 15 from the final six balls.
Special win ?
Special team ?
What’s your message for the lads?#ENGvAUS ? pic.twitter.com/Qo4DGAWMMo
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 4, 2020
Marcus Stoinis hit a six from the second delivery of Tom Curran’s over but still needed five from the final ball. Curran perfectly executed a yorker to see England take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“One went for six and spiced things up a little bit!”
It was never in doubt @TC59 ? pic.twitter.com/YtHm6FqMJi
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 4, 2020
England had earlier been grateful for 66 from Dawid Malan and 44 from Jos Buttler in their own underwhelming batting performance.
The second match is on Sunday.