Steve Smith cracked his maiden 50-over century as Australia routed Pakistan in 36.3 overs to secure a comprehensive 93-run victory in the first One Day International on Tuesday.
Batting at number three, the nimble-footed Smith hit a sparkling 101 to help Australia to a competitive, if not intimidating, 255-8 in 50 overs after skipper George Bailey had won the toss and decided to bat first in Sharjah’s oppressive heat.
Pakistan responded well until off-spinner Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets in two deliveries, including that of rival skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq, in the 13th over to turn the match on its head as Australia took 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Opener Sarfraz Ahmed (34) and Umar Akmal (46) provided some resistance with the bat before Pakistan folded for 162 in the 37th over.
Lyon and fellow off-spinner Glenn Maxwell claimed two wickets apiece while Mitchell Johnson (3-24) proved a quality pace bowler can succeed even on a docile, spin-friendly surface.
Earlier Smith’s brilliant century notwithstanding, Australia did not get the late burst that could have taken them past the 275-mark. Shahid Afridi (3-46) was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers who conceded 37 runs in the first 10 overs and 64 in the final 10 to restrict Australia to a modest total at the Sharjah Cricket Ground.
Smith walked in to partner David Warner for a steady 85-run partnership before Afridi separated them in his second over.
- See more at: http://www.dhakatribune.com/cricket/2014/oct/09/smith-hits-maiden-ton-australia-thrash-pakistan-first-odi#sthash.J6Kz9SvG.dpuf
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