Sublime Smith sinks Pak

Canberra, November 5 

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 T20 series. 

Top-ranked Pakistan set a competitive 150/6 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 151/3 with nine balls to spare. Australia are on a hot T20 streak, having not been beaten in their last seven matches. “Very pleasing. I thought we were pretty good all day,” said skipper Aaron Finch.

The opening match in Sydney on Sunday was abandoned due to rain. The final game is in Perth on Friday. 

Brief scores: Pakistan: 150/6 (Ahmed 62*, Azam 50; Agar 2/23); Australia: 151/3 (Smith 80*). — AFP