Liam Livingstone shone with both bat and ball as he guided England to a thrilling victory over Australia, leveling their T20 international series at 1-1. The second T20I was played on Friday, with one match remaining in the series.

Australia set a challenging target of 194 runs, thanks to Jake Fraser-McGurk’s maiden international half-century and solid contributions from captain Travis Head (31) and Josh Inglis (42). However, Livingstone played a crucial role, scoring 87 runs to help England chase down the total.

In his 50th T20 international, Livingstone was also the standout bowler for England, taking 2-16 in just three overs. His all-round performance set up a decisive final match in Manchester on Sunday.

England started their innings with a wobble, losing two wickets for just 34 runs. Stand-in captain Phil Salt provided stability with a quick 39 off 23 balls, but the game turned when Livingstone partnered with Jacob Bethell. The duo put on a swift 90-run stand off 47 balls, putting England in a strong position.

“It is not easy coming in at five, six, or seven. So moving up the order gives me a bit more responsibility, time to bat, and I feel I am in decent nick at the moment with bat and ball,” Livingstone said.

Bethell, making his second international appearance, scored 44 before departing. Livingstone remained at the crease until England were close to victory. Although he was bowled out by Matt Short for 87, England secured the win with a single from Adil Rashid, reaching the target with six balls to spare.

Earlier in the match, Australia looked set for a total above 200, with Head’s explosive 31 off 14 balls helping them to 119-2 by the 13th over. Fraser-McGurk’s innings ended when he was caught off Livingstone’s bowling. Australia’s innings, which started rapidly, was slowed down by England’s spinners, who restricted the tourists to 193-6.

“Good score, felt like we were right in the hunt and we were close,” said Head, who was filling in as captain for the ill Mitch Marsh.

The series now heads to Manchester for the final T20I, where both teams will be fighting for the series win.