World champions England staged a remarkable rally in the field to beat Australia by 24 runs in the second one-day international at Old Trafford on Sunday as they levelled a three-match series at 1-1.
Australia were cruising to a modest target of 232 at 144-2 before losing four wickets for three runs, including captain Aaron Finch for 73, to be 147-6.
Sam Curran then took two wickets in two balls before leg-spinner Adil Rashid ended the match with eight balls to spare when he had Alex Carey stumped.
Earlier, Australia held England to 231-9, with captain Eoin Morgan top-scoring with 42 after he won the toss.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa took 3-36 from his maximum 10 overs.
England were in dire trouble at 149-8 before a ninth-wicket partnership of 76 between Tom Curran (37) and Adil Rashid (35 not out) kept them in the game.
The series concludes at Old Trafford on Wednesday – England’s final match of a season where they will have played their 18 scheduled international fixtures, albeit behind closed doors, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Brief scores
England 231-9, 50 overs (A Zampa 3-36)
Australia 207, 48.4 overs (A Finch 73; C Woakes 3-32, J Archer 3-34, S Curran 3-35)
Result: England won by 24 runs
Series: Three-match series level at 1-1
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!