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T20: Steve Smith back to his best against Pakistan at Manuka Oval

The West Australian
Steve Smith finished unbeaten to guide Australia to victory over Pakistan.
Camera IconSteve Smith finished unbeaten to guide Australia to victory over Pakistan. Credit: AAPIMAGE

Steve Smith has again showed why he’s the best batsman in the world, guiding Australia home in the T20 international against Pakistan in Canberra.

Chasing 151 for victory Smith stood tall as wickets fell around him, smashing 80* in an innings including 11 fours and a six.

Earlier Dave Warner was finally dismissed in T20s for 20. It follows his run of 100*, 60*, 57* and 2* in Sunday’s rain affected clash.

Aaron Finch (17) and Ben McDermott (21) both departed after making starts, but the day belonged to Smith.

The seven-wicket win means Australia now lead the series 1-0 ahead of Friday’s third match in Perth.

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The competitive Pakistan total was boosted by some late hitting from Iftikhar Ahmed who smashed 62* from 34 balls.

His composed innings gave the tourists a serviceable 6-150 to defend - however it looks at least 30 runs under par on a flat and lightning fast Canberra surface.

Opener Babar Azam had charged to 50 and looked like batting through the Pakistan innings for the second straight match, only to push for two on Warner’s laser right arm and pay the price.

Ashton Agar was the best of the Australian bowlers on a night where there was little swing for the quicks, with the West Australian spinner taking 2-23 off his four overs, including bamboozling danger man Mohammad Rizwan.

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