AUS vs PAK: 2nd T20I – Steve Smith’s spectacular show blows Pakistan away
Steve Smith’s astounding 80 not out from 51 balls knocked out Pakistan as Australia surged to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. In the second T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra, the home side needed 151 runs to win. They cantered to a victory with seven wickets and nine balls remaining. Smith won the player of the match award for his extraordinary knock.
Also read: How brand Kohli took over India
Babar, Iftikhar push Pakistan ahead
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan showed faith in the same unit that failed in the first T20I at Sydney Cricket Ground. Team management gave Fakhar Zaman another opportunity to open the innings. However, the opener failed to register a big score and perished for 2 from 7 balls. The visitors lost Haris Sohail soon enough and were in a spot of bother at 29/2.
Mohammad Rizwan gave great support to the captain Babar Azam who helped himself to another T20I fifty. After Azam’s 50 from 38 balls, Iftikhar Ahmed shouldered the responsibility of plundering runs. Iftikhar registered his career-best as he carted Kane Richardson to all parts of the ground. The number six batsman smashed 35 runs off 11 balls from Richardson. Pakistan finished with a respectable 150/6 with Iftikhar 62 not out from 34 balls. Ashton Agar in his spell of 23/2 was the pick of Australian bowlers.
Smith steals the show
Australia began their reply with the daunting pair of David Warner and Aaron Finch. Warner, batting in furious form, smashed left-arm spinner Imad Wasim for four boundaries in his opening over. However, Amir removed the threat in next over itself. On the penultimate ball of the powerplay, Mohammad Irfan sent back Finch. Ben McDermott now joined Smith in the middle.
Batting with an aggressive mindset, Smith ensured the constant flow of boundaries. His approach did not allow Pakistan to gain an upper hand at any stage of the chase. Smith showed his belligerent side in the 17th over which was bowled by Amir. The fidgety batsman struck three consecutive boundaries, the last of which was an exceptional stroke – a backfoot square drive over point! Twin boundaries in Riaz’s next over sealed the game for Australi with Ashton Turner completing the formalities.
Australia now leads Pakistan by 1-0 with one match remaining. Third and final T20I will be played at Perth on 8th November.
Masterful! ?#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/K9qs9TK2hL
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 5, 2019
