 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Australia squared the two-match Twenty20 series against England on Friday, by beating the visitors by four runs in the second Twenty20 international that was played at the Melbourne 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 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 and Steve Davies enjoying a partnership of 60 runs. Thereafter, wickets fell at regular intervals.
For Australia, left arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson took three wickets for 29 runs, while Shane Watson took two wickets for 17. Shaun Tait 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 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 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.