ENGLAND LIONS VICTORIOUS IN PERTH STADIUM’S FIRST MATCH

Lions beat defending Big Bash champions Perth Scorchers

England Lions have beaten a strong Perth Scorchers team in a 20-over fixture at Western Australia’s new stadium.

This was the first match played at the venue - which is set to host the fifth ODI between Australia and England at the end of January.

Lancashire’s Liam Livingstone (36 from 30) top-scored for England with all seven required batsmen chipping in with double figures.

The Lions posted 160 for 6 from their 20 overs against a Scorchers attack that included England and Yorkshire allrounder David Willey (three for 32).

Hilton Cartwright hit a half-century in Perth’s reply but Justin Langer's Scorchers fell 13 runs short of victory (148 for nine).

Saqib Mahmood claimed four for 14 including Josh Phillipe lbw with the first ball of the innings.

Lions skipper Keaton Jennings said: “It was an awesome experience for all of us playing in the Coliseum they’ve created here, and I thought the boys did really well to beat a very strong and experienced Scorchers side.

“It wasn’t an easy pitch to bat on but we assessed the conditions and batted sensibly. And then all four of our seamers bowled well, with Saqi Mahmood exceptional.”

Full scorecard here

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