In a thrilling encounter that showcased the flamboyance of two big teams, Australia edged past England by 28 runs in the first T20I at Edgbaston. Despite a valiant effort from the English bowlers, particularly at the death, the visitors managed to score a total of 179 in 19.3 overs.
A fiery start from Travis Head
The match began with a bang as Australian opener Travis Head launched a blistering assault on the English bowlers. His aggressive batting set the tone for the innings, and the visitors looked well-placed to post a formidable total. Head’s powerful strokes, combined with some loose bowling from the English bowlers, helped him race to a quickfire half-century.
However, the English bowlers fought back admirably, taking wickets at regular intervals to restrict Australia to a manageable score. Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid were particularly effective, picking up crucial wickets at key moments. Despite Head’s early heroics, Australia’s middle order failed to fire, and they were eventually bowled out for 179.
Also [WATCH]: Travis Head takes Sam Curran to the cleaners; hits 30 runs in an over in 1st T20I
Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood’s late surge in death overs
The turning point of the match came in the final overs, when the English bowlers produced a stunning display of death bowling. Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood combined to dismiss three Australian batters in consecutive deliveries, giving England a glimmer of hope.
Archer, dismissed Sean Abbott with a low full toss. Abbott went across to his right to scoop it away, but missed it completely, and the ball crashed into the stumps. His second attempt for a yorker to Xavier Bartlett was also a perfect delivery, pitching on a length and swinging back into the batter. Bartlett was unable to react in time and was clean bowled.
The hat-trick was completed by Mahmood’s inswinging delivery to Cameron Green was equally impressive, pitching on a length and moving away from the batter. Green was caught off guard and was unable to offer a shot. The three wickets in three balls gave England a massive boost, and they suddenly looked capable of chasing down the target.
Here’s the video:
🤝 TEAM HAT-TRICK ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PznX7yrujV
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 11, 2024
Australia’s disciplined bowling
Despite England’s late surge, Australia’s bowlers maintained their discipline and kept the hosts under pressure throughout the innings. Abbott, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood picked up multiple wickets, ensuring that England’s long batting lineup struggled to build partnerships.
Abbott, in particular, was impressive, bowling a tight line and length throughout his spell. He picked up three wickets, including two in the middle overs, which helped to stifle England’s momentum. Zampa and Hazlewood also contributed with crucial wickets, and their disciplined bowling proved to be the difference in the match.
Also READ: Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood lead Australia to victory after Travis Head’s explosive knock crushes England in 1st T20I
News Summary:
- ENG vs AUS [WATCH]: Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood put a halt on Aussie batting line-up with a team hat-trick
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