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England's Moeen Ali with Eoin Morgan Image Credit: Reuters

Cardiff: England beat Australia by five runs to win the lone Twenty20 international in Cardiff on Monday.

Australia, set a target of 183 for victory, were on course while skipper Steven Smith was making a Twenty20 best score of 90.

But Australia lost five wickets for 16 runs in 14 balls, with three batsmen dismissed in the final over of the innings, bowled by Ben Stokes, as they finished on 177 for eight.

Earlier, England made 182 for five after being sent into bat by Smith.

Eoin Morgan, the England captain, top-scored with 74 and put on 125 in just 75 balls with Moeen Ali (72 not out) after the hosts had been reduced to 18 for two.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins led Australia’s attack with two for 25 in his maximum four overs as the visitors fought back to keep England under a total of 200.

Morgan hit seven sixes, including three in one over from Shane Watson, before getting caught inches from the boundary going for another maximum.

Cummins removed Alex Hales (3) and Jason Roy (11) in his first over — Australia’s fourth — before England’s two left-handers changed the momentum of the innings. Australia’s required run rate is more than 9.1 an over.

England gave an international debut to left-arm seamer Reece Topley. Australia gave all-rounder Marcus Stoinis his first match.