Australia sealed the ODI series 3-2 against England after winning the rain-affected 5th ODI by 49 runs (DLS method) at the County Ground, Bristol. England posted a competitive 309 all out in 49.2 overs, but Australia’s top-order blitz ensured they comfortably chased the revised target under the DLS system.
England posts a challenging total led by Ben Duckett’s century
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, but England got off to a flying start courtesy of opener Philip Salt, who hammered 45 off just 27 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes. He provided the perfect platform for Ben Duckett, who anchored the innings with a masterful 107 off 91 balls, striking 13 fours and 2 sixes. Duckett was well-supported by Harry Brook, whose explosive 72 off 52 deliveries featured 7 sixes, propelling England to a challenging total. However, Australia’s bowlers kept making breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
Travis Head was the standout performer with the ball for Australia, picking up 4 wickets for just 28 runs in 6.2 overs. He ripped through the English lower order, stalling their momentum when they looked set for a much higher total. Glenn Maxwell also made key contributions, claiming 2 wickets for 49 runs in his 10 overs, while Adam Zampa finished with 2 for 74 in his full quota. Aaron Hardie chipped in with 2 wickets for 38 runs, as England were bowled out just short of completing their 50 overs.
Also WATCH: Harry Brook takes Adam Zampa to the cleaners with brutal strikes | ENG vs AUS, 5th ODI
Australia’s power-packed chase
In response, Australia’s chase started aggressively, with Matthew Short leading the charge. The opener smashed 58 off 30 balls, including 7 fours and 4 sixes, setting the tone for a rapid start. Travis Head followed up his bowling heroics with the bat, scoring a brisk 31 off 26 balls. The duo’s quickfire partnership put Australia ahead of the DLS par score early in the chase. Steve Smith (36 off 48) and Josh Inglis (28 off 20) kept up the momentum, guiding Australia to 165/2 in just 20.4 overs when rain intervened.
With conditions worsening, the match was decided via the DLS method, and Australia emerged victorious by 49 runs, clinching the series 3-2.
Australia clinches the ODI series with 49-run win (DLS) in the 5th ODI #cricket #ENGvAUS #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/GDXcmHZjTs
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 30, 2024
Head was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, while Australia celebrated a triumphant end to their tour.
England showed resilience by levelling the series after two losses, but Australia’s dominance in the final ODI ensured they took home the series trophy.