The second match of the ongoing series between Australia and England will be played on 13th of September at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Match preview:
After an exciting start to the series, Cardiff waits for yet another clash between the arch-nemesis.
In the first T20i, Australia overpowered the home side and won the game by 28 runs. Batting first, AUstralia had a flying start as they scored 80 runs in the powerplay. Matt Short scored 41-off-26 while the in-form and player of the match Travis Head scored 59 off just 23 balls, striking at 255 as he struck 8 boundaries and 4 sixes.
While the opening batsmen but the middle and lower order cut a sorry figure as Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone spun web around and took 4 wickets collectively.
The middle and lower order will have to work on their weakness if the side wants to secure the series by winning the second T20i. The skipper Marsh and all-rounder Stoinis will have to step-up while the contributions from Tim David will be appreciated as well.
Sean Abbott was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as he took three wickets for 28 runs.
Nevertheless, Australia won’t be worried much about the upcoming game as they sit in the comfortable position in the context of the series as of now.
Talking about the home side, they will have to look up for so many things and one of them is Sam Curran. After that player of the match performance in the T20 World Cup 2022, Curran hasn’t been up to the mark in international cricket.
In the first T20i he went for 35 runs in just 2 overs and his 1st over went for 28 runs. So, a big sign of worry for the English side.
It was the fifth game of Phil Salt as the skipper for the side and as of now he has won only 2 games and lost 3. His performance in the first T20i wasn’t commendable as well. If anything, English cricket needs to think rationally and shouldn’t be panicked since they are playing T20is after June.
However, England will look to claw back in the upcoming match to make things interesting and set-up the decider because if Australia manages to win the tourists will clinch the three-match T20i series.
Pitch and weather report:
Sophia Gardens has not hosted much international cricket. Only nine T20is have been played at this venue with six matches won by the chasing side. So, a captain who will win the coin tomorrow will possibly look to chase rather than to defend.
Head-to-head record:
Both of the sides met each other in the T20 format for 25 times and their tally stands as 12 games have now been won by the Australia side while England stood victorious in 11 games. The upcoming game provides a big chance for the Three Lions to equalise the tally.
Predictions:
Australia are still favorites to win this game considering their performance in the first game and how they are in high-flying confidence
Where to watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad
England: Sky Sports Network.
Australia: Amazon Prime
India: Star Sports Network
Others: CricHD
