Ben Stokes is one of the best all-rounders in modern-day cricket. England defeated defending champions Australia in another thrilling encounter by eight runs played at Manuka Oval, Canberra on October 12, to wrap up the three-match T20I series.
Australian captain Aaron Finch won the toss and decided to field first. It was an ideal start for the hosts as they grabbed the wickets of Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Stokes, and Harry Brooks to leave them at 54/4.
Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali steadied the ship playing with intent and putting enough pressure on the Australian bowling. The duo hit boundaries easily and kept the momentum going. Malan and Ali added 92 runs for the fifth wicket to rescue the England innings. It was a superb recovery by the visitors as they posted 178/7 in 20 overs.
England bowlers gave the team a fine start, dismissing Aaron Finch, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession to put the pressure on Australian batting. The incident happened during the 12th over as Mitchell Marsh hit a brilliant shot with Ben Stokes producing a one-handed save and parried back on the field saving England four runs.
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Sam Curran dismissed Marcus Stoinis in the same over to end 40 runs stand for the 4th wicket. It was a superb diving effort by Stokes that made the difference. The crowd appreciated the effort. Stokes also took an important wicket to help put Australia under pressure.
Sam Curran eventually got rid of Marcus Stoinis to end 40 runs partnership for the 4th wicket. The match ebbed and flowed again with top-quality sides playing. Despite Tim David and Mitchell Marsh showing intent, the England team held onto their nerves to win the match by 8 runs.
The fielding made a lot of difference with Australia dropping two to three catches while England put enough on the lines. It was a remarkable performance by the England team as they registered another close win. Tim David looked in great touch but fell with a lovely delivery by Sam Curran. Pat Cummins connected one six, but it was not enough for the hosts to win the match.
For his 82 off 44 balls, Dawid Malan was named the man of the match. England takes a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series with one match to spare. The 3rd and final T20I match will be played on 14th October at Canberra.
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