England claimed an impressive five-run victory in their only T20 international fixture with Australia this summer despite a standout knock of 90 from Steve Smith in Cardiff this evening.
Responding to England's impressive effort of 182, Australia began in a rather meek fashion as David Willey got rid of David Warner in the first over to leave the visitors 4-1.
Steven Finn sought to build from his Ashes campaign and he looked on course to do so after he reduced Australia to 12-2 having bowled Shane Watson all ends up.
The Aussies battled back aggressively, however, as Glenn Maxwell put on 48 in a strong partnership with Smith, before sending a catch to a diving Ben Stokes off Moeen Ali at mid-on.
Smith continued his innings unchallenged and he again worked well with Mitchell Marsh, who added a quick-fire 13 only to fall to debutant Reece Topley's slower ball.
With England sensing that they could drag the game back in their favour, Australia's Smith went on the attack in the penultimate over, but he then found himself out for 90 after sending Willey's delivery into the hands of Sam Billings deep on the leg side.
Requiring 12 to win from the final over, the Australians were unable to deliver as some standout death bowling from Ben Stokes ensured that the Lions claimed victory with the travelling side eventually left stranded on 177-8 after 20 overs.
Earlier in the day, England captain Eoin Morgan installed himself as his country's new leading T20 run-scorer as he scored 74 runs off 39 deliveries, while Ali was also in good form after producing 72 not out from 46 balls.
Christopher Dodd
