Sublime Smith steers Australia to comfortable win over Pakistan in second T20

Published November 5, 2019
Steve Smith of Australia celebrates reaching half century (50 runs) during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Tuesday. — AFP
Steve Smith of Australia celebrates reaching half century (50 runs) during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Tuesday. — AFP
Iftikhar Ahmed (R) celebrates reaching his half century during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 5. — AFP/File
Iftikhar Ahmed (R) celebrates reaching his half century during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 5. — AFP/File
Babar Azam plays a shot as Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey (R) looks on during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 5. — AFP
Babar Azam plays a shot as Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey (R) looks on during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 5. — AFP
Babar Azam dives to avoid a possible run-out during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 5.  — AFP
Babar Azam dives to avoid a possible run-out during the second Twenty20 match between Australia and Pakistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 5. — AFP

Master batsman Steve Smith stroked a faultless unbeaten 80 as Australia edged Pakistan by seven wickets in Canberra to go 1-0 up in their three-match Twenty20 series.

Top-ranked Pakistan set a competitive 150 for six off their 20 overs, with skipper Babar Azam hitting his second consecutive half-century and Iftikhar Ahmed clubbing a quickfire 62.

But their bowling attack was no match for Smith, who brought up his fourth 50 in the short format off 36 balls, with six fours and one big six, as Australia reached 151 for three with nine balls to spare.

It put them 1-0 up after the opening match in Sydney on Sunday was abandoned due to rain. The final game is in Perth on Friday.

“Very pleasing. I thought we were pretty good all day,” said skipper Aaron Finch.

“To get wickets consistently was key. Everyone is playing their roles really well, and we've got guys like Steve, who does what he does best.”

Australia is on a hot T20 streak, having not been beaten in their last seven matches.

“Credit goes to Smith,” said Azam. “He took the game away with a magnificent innings. We are very disappointed. We didn't bat well in the powerplay.”

David Warner had been in fantastic touch after scoring 219 without losing his wicket in four previous innings, and he ominously smashed 16 off Imad Wasim's opening over.

However, the explosive opener was clean bowled by Mohammad Amir for 20, missing a drive, and when Finch fell for 17 to veteran seamer Mohammad Irfan, Pakistan's hopes were up.

But with Smith at the wicket, it was never going to be easy and the experienced campaigner picked the gaps and found the boundary ropes with impeccably timed shots, while grabbing quick singles.

With Ben McDermott at the other end, he pushed the score to 86 for two off the first 10 overs before his partner fell lbw to Wasim for 21.

It left Smith and Ashton Turner with 45 runs to win off 42 balls, which they managed comfortably.

Earlier, Azam, the world's top T20 batsman, again anchored the Pakistan innings with a 38-ball 50 as teammates fell around him until he found support from Ahmed, who notched a maiden, and entertaining, half-century.

After Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat, opener Fakhar Zaman, desperately in need of runs, was left floundering against Pat Cummins and was out for two, driving to Warner at mid-off.

Haris Sohail came to the crease but only lasted nine balls, gone for six.

It took the wind out of Pakistan's sails, and the runs dried up before Azam and Mohammad Rizwan began to push the scoreboard along — until Ashton Agar dismissed Rizwan and then Asif Ali in quick succession.

Azam finally found support from Ahmed before the captain was run out for 50 — his 12th in the short format — after some fantastic fielding by Warner.

Ahmed ensured it was a competitive score, smashing 22 off the penultimate over from Richardson.

Line-ups:

Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Steve Smith, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa

Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...