Edgbaston: Jos Buttler (61, 30b, 6×4, 5×6) hit the fastest fifty by an England batsman in a T20I to set the platform for a convincing 28-run win over Australia here, Wednesday.
Australia, set 222 for victory, lost half their side inside nine overs to be reduced to 72 for five. However, skipper Aaron Finch (84, 41b, 7×4, 6×6) kept them in the match with a fine innings sharing an 86-run sixth-wicket stand with Ashton Agar (29, 23b, 3×4, 1×6). But Finch’s dismissal in the 16th over ended any hope of a win as eventually they were bowled out for 193 with two balls to spare.
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid (3/27) was the pick of the English bowlers and he was ably supported by Chris Jordan (3/42) and Liam Plunkett (2/34).
Earlier, Buttler along with Jason Roy (44, 26b, 6×4) gave the hosts a flying start with a 95-run opening stand inside nine overs before the former’s departure. Alex Hales (49, 24b, 5×4, 2×6) and Joe Root (35, 24b, 4×4) also batted well putting up a 72-run fourth-wicket stand before Jonny Bairstow’s (14 n o, 8b, 2×6) cameo helped them reach 221 for five in their 20 overs. Mitchell Swepson (2/37) bowled well for the losing side.
Brief scores: England 221/5 (Jos Buttler 61; Mitchell Swepson 2/37) bt Australia 193 (Aaron Finch 84; Adil Rashid 3/27) by 28 runs.
