Australia [ Images ] squared the two-match Twenty20 [ Images ] series against England [ Images ] on Friday, by beating the visitors by four runs in the second Twenty20 international that was played at the Melbourne [ Images ] Cricket Ground (MCG).
Chasing a target of 147, England scored 143 for the loss of six wickets.
The visitors almost pulled off a ninth consecutive victory in Twenty20 internationals with Chris Woakes hitting a six of the third last ball of the match. Woakes with 11 and fast-bowling all-rounder Tim Bresnan [ Images ] with 15 were at the crease at the end of the 20th over of the England innings.
At one stage, it seemed that England would take the trophy in a canter with openers Ian Bell [ Images ] and Steve Davies enjoying a partnership of 60 runs. Thereafter, wickets fell at regular intervals.
For Australia, left arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson [ Images ] took three wickets for 29 runs, while Shane Watson [ Images ] took two wickets for 17. Shaun Tait [ Images ] took a wicket for 39 runs of his four overs.
Earlier, Australia scored 147 in their 20 overs. Opener David Warner (30) and middle-order batsman Aaron Finch (53 not out) top-scored for the Australians after skipper Cameron White [ Images ] won the toss and chose to bat.
The others to score were Shane Watson (17) and wicketkeeper Tim Paine (21).
For England, off-spinners Mathew Yardy and Graeme Swann [ Images ] claimed two wickets each for 19 runs.
Australia is aiming to level the series after their final-ball defeat in Adelaide on Wednesday.
Both teams fielded unchanged outfits, meaning there was no hometown debut for the Australian fast bowler James Pattinson.


this
Users
Comment
article