England have continued to build momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup with a second successive win over Australia.
On Sunday, the tourists successfully defended a target to prevail at eight runs, and the same scenario and result occurred in Canberra on Wednesday.
However, on this occasion, England were far less impressive with the bat, having to rely on Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali to set Australia a respectable target.
England collapsed from 21-0 after three overs to 54-4 after 8.1 overs with only Jos Buttler (17) coming out of the opening stages with a credible contribution alongside the disciplined Malan.
The number three spent over 16 overs at the crease, hitting seven fours and four maximums to record an excellent 82 from 49 balls under pressure.
Moeen was equally impressive, chipping in with 44 from 27 deliveries, before Chris Jordan hit a six off the last ball of the innings which ultimately proved pivotal.
Sam Curran, that's a beaut! 😍#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/9waBcXZ3Iq
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) October 12, 2022
Despite England reaching 178-7, Australia would have been confident about reaching that target, even with Aaron Finch (4) and David Warner (13) departing by 4.1 overs.
David Willey and Reece Topley took their respective wickets before Sam Curran came to the fore during the middle overs, crucially dismissing Glenn Maxwell (8) and Marcus Stoinis (22).
Even at 91-4 off 11.4 overs, Australia could claim to be clear favourites to level the three-match series, but Ben Stokes removed danger man Mitchell Marsh for 45 leaving the home side requiring 65 from 35 balls.
That ultimately left the Baggy Greens with too much to do, even though Tim David threatened to put his side back in control with 40 from 23 before Curran struck for a third time.
While Matthew Wade and Pat Cummins contributed an unbeaten seventh-wicket stand of 25 runs from 16 balls, Curran and Topley did enough during the closing overs to keep their hosts, who finished on 170-6, at bay.
Darren Plant
