2nd T20I, Canberra, November 05, 2019, 01:40 PM
Pakistan
150/6(20ov)
Australia
151/3(18.3ov)
Australia beat Pakistan by 7 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Steven Smith
Commentry
So that is it from this game. Australia have taken the lead and will now look to wrap up the T20I series at Perth. Pakistan, on the other hand, have a few things to work upon and they would be eager to end their losing run in the final game of the series. The 3rd T20I will be played on 8th November, Friday. That match will begin at 1630 local (0830 GMT). Join us for that one. Till then, cheers!
Steven Smith is awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant knock. Says he is feeling good after playing that knock. Further adds that it was nice to get the team home. Smith credits the Australian bowlers about the way they bowled and restricted the Pakistani batsmen on a very good batting surface. Says that he always looks to get under the skin of the bowlers and also says that not everyone can do that.
Australian skipper, Aaron Finch says they are pleased and feels they were happy with their performance throughout the day. Adds that they kept picking wickets regularly and that was crucial as they knew how damaging Pakistan can be. On how happy he is with the group, Finch tells he is very happy as they all know their job and are fulfilling it. Tells he is happy to have guys like Steven Smith who are best at what they do. On what can be improved upon, Finch thinks they could work on their execution in the death overs and also feels the shots him and Warner played were not great either.
Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam tells that it was a disappointment but credits Steven Smith for the way he played. On the failure of top order, Azam says that it is disappointing that they are failing to make the most of the Powerplay. Credits Iftikhar though for his innings. On playing in Australia, Babar says that he likes to come here and play as the wicket is a good one here.
Stay tuned for the presentation.
Earlier in the day, the Australia bowlers dominated the show till the 15th over. Only Azam fought a lone battle till then and when he got out, 130 seemed difficult. However, Iftikar Ahmed played a top class knock, bringing up his first T20I fifty in quick time which took Pakistan to a competitive score but in the end, it was chased down easily.
The Pakistan bowling needed to be tight but there were just too many boundary balls bowled. Mohammad Amir though was exceptional, Irfan made a good comeback after a poor first over. Shadab too did well but Pakistan needed wickets from him when they are defending an average total. Wahab Riaz was probably disappointing today.
Chasing a total which was probably under par, Australia got off to a brisk start. They though lost their openers in quick succession after that. Smith and McDermott stand after that however, took Australia on the brink of victory. The two added 50-plus runs with Smith playing aggressor and Ben happy to play second fiddle. The latter was dismissed but the former Aussie skipper along with Turner took them over the line with ease.
Another Steven Smith masterclass has taken Australia over the line and that too with relative ease! This guy is just something else, if there was any question about him being equally good in white ball cricket as compared to red ball cricket, just watch this innings by him. Exceptional, hitting boundaries at will, never looked in trouble and rotating strike as and when he wanted to do so. He accounted for more than half of the runs in this chase, had it not been him, Australia well could have been on the losing side here.
18.3
1
Turner hits the winning runs! Courtesy of a misfield though. Fuller and outside off, Turner guides it towards point where the fielder does not stop it and a single is taken. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 7 WICKETS!
18.2
1
Just a single now! Full and on the pads, this is flicked down to fine leg for one. SCORES LEVEL!
18.2
1wd
WIDE! This one is! Short but way too short. Smith looks to put bat on ball but misses.
18.1
.
Wide? Not given! Smith shuffles right across and this is bowled down the leg side. Smith looks to flick but misses.
In over# 1
1
4
4
2
0
1
Wahab Riaz 33/0(3)
17.6
1
A slower one outside off, Smith opens the face of the bat and guides it through point to keep strike. Just the three needed now.
17.5
4
FOUR! Just the four needed now! Smith is hitting boundaries at will here. Full and on off, Smith clears his front leg and lofts it over extra cover to bag another boundary.
17.4
4
FOUR! Not sure Smith intended to play that there but he will take everything that comes his way. Shorter and on middle, Smith looks to upper cut it but it goes off top edge and down to the fine leg fence.
17.3
2
Fuller and on middle, this is hit down the ground towards long off for two.
17.2
.
A slower short one outside off, Smith looks to guide it down to third man but misses.
17.1
1
Turner was gone for all money there! Full and on off, Turner jams it out beside the pitch and takes off. Sohail from covers gets to the ball, picks it up and has a shy at the non-striker's end from close range but misses.
Wahab Riaz is back now!
In over# 1
4
4
1wd
4
1
0
1
Mohammad Amir 29/1(3)
16.6
4
FOUR! Make that three in the over. Amir bowls one back of a length and outside off, Smith throws the kitchen sink at it as he slashes hard. The ball races to the deep point fence for a boundary. 15 runs needed off 18 deliveries.
16.5
4
FOUR! Second one of the over. Smith is enjoying his batting. Amir bowls one on a length and outside off, Smith creams the drive through covers for a boundary.
16.5
1wd
WIDE! Amir bowls a bumper and Smith looks to upper cut it but misses it. The square leg umpire signals wide for height.
16.4
4
FOUR! Pressure releaser. Amir goes full once again and Smith hits him down the ground and the ball races to the fence just like the arrow from the bow.
16.3
1
Fuller one outside off once again. Turner squeezes it to covers for a single.
16.2
.
Full and wide outside off, Turner fails to lay bat on ball.
16.1
1
A low full toss outside off, Smith drives it through covers for a single.
Mohammad Amir comes back on. 30 needed off the last 4. Babar Azam wants his strike bowler to do some magic here. Can he produce something? 2-14-0-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
2
Shadab Khan 25/0(4)
15.6
1
Smith retains strike as he works the last ball of Shadab's spell through mid-wicket. Another good over by Shadab, 4 from it. He's wicketless today but has only gone for 25 runs in his 4. 30 needed in 24 balls.
15.5
1
On the stumps, this is swept through square leg for a single.
15.4
.
Flatter and on off, this is pushed towards mid off where the cover fielder runs across, dives and stops it. Saves a run for his side.
15.3
.
On middle, defended.
15.2
.
How has that missed the off pole? Shadab gives it a nice loop and lands it on off, Turner looks to flick but is beaten by the dip. He misses, the ball pitches sand turns away. Just misses the off pole.
15.1
2
Turner plays the paddle sweep towards fine leg and takes an easy two.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
2
4
Mohammad Irfan 27/1(4)
14.6
1
Good fielding! Shorter and on off, Turner drags it wide of the fielder at mid on who dives to his right and stops it. Single taken.
14.5
.
On a length and outside off, it is left alone nicely.
14.4
1
Outside off, Smith pushes it through covers for one.
14.3
.
Very full from around the wicket, Smith strokes it to mid off.
14.2
2
Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for two.
14.1
4
FOUR! Fifty for Smith. This is his 4th in this format and he brings it up in style. This guy is something else, any format, he is always amongst the runs. Irfan bowls this full and around off, Smith picks his spot early and whips it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Mohammad Irfan is back on. 3-0-19-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1
1
Shadab Khan 21/0(3)
13.6
.
Another dot to end a good over by Shadab. Much-needed for Pakistan. The googly on off, Turner pushes it back to the bowler. 42 needed in 36.
13.5
.
BEATEN! Quicker again and on off, it pitches and spins away. Turner lunges forward to defend but the ball beats the outside edge.
13.4
.
Well bowled! Flatter and on off, it turns away. Turner looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point.
13.3
1
Loopy ball on off, this is eased through covers for another single.
13.2
1
Turner is off the mark as he pushes it through covers.
13.1
1
Shorter and on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Ashton Turner walks out to bat. Also, Shadab Khan is back on.
In over# 1
0W
1
1
0
2
1
Imad Wasim 34/1(4)
12.6
W
OUT! LBW! Yes, the have got one against the run of play but they won't mind it. Imad Wasim Tosses one up on off, Ben McDermott lines himself up for a sweep. He misses it to get rapped on the pads. The Pakistan players go up in appeal and the umpire after taking some time raises his finger. Ben immediately signals 'T'. Replays roll in and Imad is fine with his foot there. Hot Spot comes in and there is no bat invloved as the ball goes past the bat. The Snicko comes in and confirms that the line is flat as the ball goes past the bat. Due to the unavailability of Ball tracker, the on field decision stays as it is and Ben McDermott walks off after supporting Smith in the middle.
Have Pakistan finally got a breakthrough? The umpire has raised his finger to adjudge McDermott out LBW. He has reviewed.
12.5
1
Smith punches this floated ball outside off to the off side for a single.
12.4
1
Floated on off, Ben drives it through mid on for a single.
12.3
.
Ben defends it to the off side.
12.2
2
Tossed up around middle, McDermott flicks it to the leg side and takes off for a run. Smith after completing the first run clls for the second and the batsmen take it with ease.
12.1
1
Tossed up on middle, Smith flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
In over# 1
2
1
1
2
0
4
Wahab Riaz 21/0(2)
11.6
2
NOT OUT! Once again the dive saves him. Shorter and on middle, this is pulled wide of deep square leg. They take one and think of a second, they hesitate but go for it. The throw comes in to the keeper. He collects it and whips the bails off. An appeal and up goes the umpire. Replays roll in and it shows, Ben is well in.
An appeal for a run out has been taken upstairs! No excitement in the Pakistan camp though.
11.5
1
A slower bumper on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one more.
11.4
1
Nailed but only for one! Goes short again does Wahab. Ben pulls it through square leg for one. 50-run stand up between the two. Important one as they had lost two quickly when the two joined association. Probably this is a match-winning stand here.
11.3
2
Crunched! Shorter and outside off, Ben slaps it through covers and takes two.
11.2
.
On the pads, Ben looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
11.1
4
FOUR! Riaz is leaking runs! Just the 56 needed now in 53. Shorter and around off, Ben McDermott plays it late. He gets it through backward point and it races away to the fence.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
1
Imad Wasim 29/0(3)
10.6
1
Ben McDermott retains the strike with a single. Wasim tosses one up on middle, Ben works it to the leg side to get to the other end.
10.5
.
McDermott defends this tossed up ball off his back foot.
10.4
1
Floated outside off, Smith drives it through covers for a run.
10.3
1
McDermott slogs this fuller one on middle towards deep square leg and gets to the other end.
10.2
1
Tossed up on the pads, Smith works it to the leg side for a single.
10.1
1
Tossed up around off, Ben works it to mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
5nb
1wd
1nb
0
Wahab Riaz 11/0(1)
9.6
1
Direct hit! An appeal for a run out has been taken upstairs. McDermott is the man in question. NOT OUT! The dive has saved Ben. This is fuller and on off, Ben strokes it to mid off and takes off. Azam picks the ball up and hits bull's eye at the non-striker's end. The umpire takes it upstairs but replays show that the batter is fine. End of a long and an expensive over.
Imad Wasim is back! 2-0-24-0, his figures so far.
9.5
1
Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
9.4
1
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
9.3
.
Shorter and on off, this is kept out.
9.2
1
Just a single this time! Shorter and on the body, this is worked through square leg for one.
9.2
5nb
NO BALL AND FOUR! This is not good from Riaz. His team needed him to bowl a good over here but he has given away 7 off just one ball. A high full toss outside off, Smith drags it over mid on and bags another boundary. Another Free Hit coming up.
9.2
1wd
Free Hit continues as it is a wide! A slower bumper, Smith watches it go over and it has been wided.
9.2
1nb
Free Hit time! Riaz has overstepped! This is on middle, Smith works it to mid-wicket. Close call that, could have gone either way.
FREE HIT!
9.1
.
Just short! Excellent stop in the end! Shorter again and around off, Smith plays it late towards point where Shadab dives to his left and stops it.
Wahab Riaz comes on to bowl now. He has fond memories of bowling in Australia.
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
1
1
Shadab Khan 18/0(2)
8.6
1
A single to end one more productive over for Australia. Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one. 76 needed in 66.
8.5
1
The paddle sweep now, it is hit down towards fine leg for one.
8.4
1
On middle, Smith looks to work it on the leg side but the ball turns away. It goes off the leading edge towards point for one.
8.3
4
FOUR! Smith is dealing in boundaries here! This is floated up on off, Smith plays it with the turn, over covers beautifully and bags another boundary.
8.2
1
A single in the end! Slower through the air on off, BM pushes at it. It goes uppishly but wide of cover. Imam dives to his right and makes a half stop. A single taken.
8.1
1
Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
4
0
Mohammad Irfan 19/1(3)
7.6
.
A dot to end a good over for Australia. On middle, it is kept out.
7.5
1
A single now! Good sensible batting! Shorter and on the body, this is nudged towards fine leg for one.
7.4
4
FOUR! Over the top! Second boundary in the over. Shorter again and outside off, Smith slashes. It goes uppishly over the leaping point fielder for a boundary.
7.3
.
Closer to the body this time, the length is almost the same. Smith guides it to point.
7.2
4
FOUR! Very clever shot! Such a class act this guy is. Shorter and outside off, Smith plays the upper cut and hits it fine to the third man fence.
7.1
.
That zipped through! Back of a length delivery just outside off, Smith looks to push it through the off side but is beaten. Irfan has his tail up now.
In over# 1
1
4
1
1
1
1
Shadab Khan 9/0(1)
6.6
1
A single to end the over. Smith works this tossed up ball off his pads to mid-wicket to retain the strike.
6.5
4
FOUR! Smudge is never out of the game. Shadab Khan gives this one more air and keeps it on middle, Smith comes down the track and lofts it handsomely over the bowler for a boundary at long off.
6.4
1
McDermott drives this tossed up ball on middle through mid on for one.
6.3
1
Once again a floater on the pads, Smith flicks it to the leg side for a single.
6.2
1
Floated around off, McDermott pushes it to get to the other side.
6.1
1
Tossed up on middle, Smith works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Leg spinner, Shadab Khan is on now.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
1
0
0
Mohammad Irfan 10/1(2)
5.6
.
Shorter and on off, it is kept out. Top class over by Irfan. Also, Pakistan have made an excellent comeback in the first 6. Match evenly poised. Australia are 48 for 2 after the Powerplay.
Ben McDermott walks out at number 4.
5.5
W
OUT! In the air... taken! Huge, huge wicket and now both the openers are back in the hut. This wicket is a morale booster for Irfan. He has only been smacked around since the time he has made his comeback by Finch but the big man has got him. This is slightly fuller, it seems to be another slower ball. Sticks in the surface again. Finch wants to go big but ends up slicing it towards mid off where Azam takes a catch to dismiss his counterpart. Pakistan now back into the game. 103 needed in 85.
5.4
.
Good delivery! It is a slower bumper, comes slow off the surface. Finch is early in the pull and gets beaten.
5.3
1
One more short one! This is pulled through square leg for a single.
5.2
.
Edged and taken! Or is it? There surely was a noise. Not sure of what. Short and outside off, Smith looks to cut again, there is some noise as the ball passes the bat but no appeal from Pakistan. Snicko shows nothing on it.
5.1
.
Way too short and outside off, Smith looks to cut but misses.
Mohammad Irfan is back on! 9 came off his first.
In over# 1
1
6
1
1
0
0
Mohammad Amir 14/1(2)
4.6
1
A good nut to end! A yorker on middle, Smith jams it out towards mid-wicket for one.
4.5
6
SIX! Just over! Smith would have had his heart in his mouth for a moment. Shorter again and on middle, Smith looks to whip it but does not get it off the middle. It still clears the backward square leg fence. There was a fielder there but it goes over him. Just I should say.
4.4
1
Direct hit and it would have been close! Shorter and on off, Finch pushes it straight to covers and takes off. The fielder picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Would have been touch and go.
4.3
1
Aggressive shot from Smith! A slower one around off, Smith looks to heave it but it goes off the inner half and through backward square leg for one.
4.2
.
Slightly shorter and it hurries onto the batter, Smith is a touch late into the pull and it goes to mid on.
4.1
.
Back of a length around off, Smith defends it onto the ground.
In over# 1
4
1
1
0
1
1
Imad Wasim 24/0(2)
3.6
4
FOUR! Finch is timing the ball exquisitely. He is dealing in boundaries. Imad goes short and just wide outside off, Finch stands back and punches the drive through covers and the ball races away to the fence.
3.5
1
Tossed up on the pads, Smith works it to the leg side for a single.
3.4
1
Floated on pads, Finch pushes it to mid on for a single.
3.3
.
Flatter on off, Finch defends it to the off side.
3.2
1
Tossed up on middle, Smith pushes it to long on for a single. Smith is off the mark here.
3.1
1
Tossed up on off, Finch pushes it to mid on for a single.
Steven Smith walks out at number 3.
In over# 1
0W
1
0
4
0
0
Mohammad Amir 5/1(1)
2.6
W
OUT! TIMBER! A huge roar by Mohammad Amir and a much, much-needed wicket for Pakistan. Warner maybe got carried away with the flurry of boundaries. He looks to hit another one. Probably the wrong option as he could have taken a sighter against Pakistan's best bowler. DW makes room, Amir bowls it full and fast on the stumps. Warner looks to go over covers but misses and the stumps behind are hit. Pakistan now have a chance to pull things back a little. 121 needed in 102 balls. An excellent over by Amir first up.
2.5
1
A quick run! On middle, Finch drops it towards the off side and takes one.
2.4
.
One more length delivery around off, Finch guides it to point.
2.3
4
FOUR! Width on offer and once again Finch puts it away. Way too short and way too wide. Finch says thank you very much as he cuts it through point for a boundary.
2.2
.
A yorker now outside off, Finch looks to jam it out but is late in bringing his bat down.
2.1
.
Good length around off, it shapes back in a little. Finch pushes it to mid off.
Just a solitary over for Mohammad Irfan. Mohammad Amir replaces him. A lot depends on his performance if Pakistan are to win this one.
In over# 1
4
4
0
4
4
0
Imad Wasim 16/0(1)
1.6
4
EDGY FOUR! The boundaries are flowing here. This a little fortunate but Australia won't mind. This is flatter and on off, Warner looks to defend but there is extra bounce. It goes off the top edge and through the vacant first slip region and into the third man fence. 16 from the over, not a good start by Imad too.
1.5
4
FOUR! On the leg side now! This is excellent hitting. With the angle again. Fuller and on middle, Warner whips it over mid-wicket and bags another boundary.
1.4
.
Imad cramps Warner for room this time by firing it on the pads, Warner looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
1.3
4
FOUR! All along the ground this time! Warner makes room and Imad fires it shorter and on off, Warner slaps it through covers and bags another boundary. Excellent start for the Aussies.
1.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! Good shot, minimal risk as it is with the angle. Floats it up outside off, Warner makes room and lofts it over covers for a boundary.
1.1
.
On the pads to begin with, Warner works it to mid-wicket.
Imad Wasim to partner Irfan from the other end.
In over# 1
4
1
2
0
1
1
Mohammad Irfan 9/0(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! A boundary to end the first over! An expensive one for the visitors. Short and wide outside off, too easy for Finch, he slaps it through cover-point for a boundary.
0.5
1
One more single! Shortish again and on middle, this is worked on the leg side for a single.
0.4
2
Excellent running! This is shorter and on off, Warner cuts it towards point. The fielder there dives to his left and makes a half stop. The cover-point fielder also dives and pushes it a little away. Two taken.
0.3
.
A slower short ball on middle, sticks in the surface. Warner is way too early in the pull. It hits his arm and then goes on the bounce to the keeper.
0.2
1
Nicely played! Shorter in length and on off, Finch gets on top of the bounce and guides it between point and gully, down towards third man for one. The skipper is off the mark.
0.1
1
Australia are underway! This is on middle, Warner looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket and the batters cross for a quick run.
Welcome back for the chase. The Pakistan players are out on the field are taking their respective positions. Australian skipper, Aaron Finch walks out with David Warner to open the innings. Mohammad Irfan to start with the ball for Pakistan.
The target is 151 and looking at the Australian batting line up, it looks like they will be able to chase it down. However, one can never say what the Pakistani bowlers can come up with. Join us after the break for the chase.
Ashton Agar is down for an interview. He says it looks a good wicket to bat on and he backs his batters to chase this down. On the run out of Azam, he says Warner was exceptional and he gives everything out there in the middle. States that Babar Azam's run out was crucial in the context of where Pakistan would finish.
The Australian bowlers did well right until the death overs. It has been a problematic area for them and it proved again. Ashton Agar and Pat Cummins bowled well as they restricted the scoring in the middle overs and also kept chipping wickets in between. Kane Richardson, however, had a very bad day at the office and was smashed to all parts of the ground. He conceded 51 runs off his 4 overs and that has pushed Australia on the back foot somewhat.
The innings started positively for Pakistan as Babar Azam played some good strokes and got into his stride. However, Pat Cummins came into the attack and struck straightaway to dismiss Fakhar Zaman. After that, it was always about Pakistan gaining momentum and Australia stopping them. Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan and Asif Ali all struggled with Babar Azam trying to keep his side in the game. Azam scored 50 runs off 38 balls and laid the foundation for the finishers to come in and do their job. Iftikhar Ahmed came in and did just that in the final overs. Ahmed scored 62 off 34 and pushed the Pakistani score to a respectable total. However, Australia have themselves to blame for that as Steven Smith and Ben McDermott both dropped him. Though the one the latter put down was a tough one to take.
Pakistan have reached a total of 150 and it is all due to one man, Iftikhar Ahmed. He has played a gem of an innings and it is because of him that Pakistan have been able to put a competitive total on the board.
19.6
2
On the pads, Iftikhar flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a couple to end the innings. Good last over from Starc but cannot restrict Pakistan under 150. PAKISTAN FINISH OFF WITH 150 OFF THEIR 20 OVERS.
19.5
2
Fuller on middle, Iftikhar hits it wide of long on and this time gets the couple he wants.
Wahab Riaz is the new man in.
19.4
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Imad looked to be short and he is short. Low full toss on middle and off, Iftikhar hits it wide of long off and looks for two. Smith gets to the ball quickly and releases a brilliant throw. Starc takes the bails off and Imad's dive sees him fall short.
19.3
1
Fuller on off, Imad drives it towards sweeper cover for a single. Australia and Starc won't mind singles off the last over.
19.2
1
Fuller on middle and leg, Ifthikhar flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
19.1
1
Good length ball on off, Imad hits it straight. Too straight as the ball goes onto hit the stumps at the other end. Just a single.
In over# 1
6
4
4
1
1
6
Kane Richardson 51/1(4)
18.6
6
IN THE AIR BUT OVER THE ROPES. Fuller on middle and leg, Iftikhar heaves it over long on. Ben McDermott there almost pulls a stunning catch. He gets his hands to it but fails to keep it in. Will go down as a drop but that is harsh to call it as a drop. 22 off Richardson's last. Spoils his figures. He ends with the figures of 4-0-51-1.
18.5
4
FOUR! This is brilliant batting. Full outside off, Iftikhar creams it over point for a boundary. Richardson under the pump. Fifty for Iftikhar Ahmed. His first in T20Is and what a knock this has been! Pulled his side out of the ashes here.
18.4
4
TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Back of a length ball on off, Iftikhar looks to go for the pull but he gets a top edge on it. The ball goes over jumping Carey for a boundary! Harsh game for the bowlers.
18.3
1
Full on off, Imad strokes it to long off and gives Iftikhar the strike.
18.2
1
In the air but safe! Full on off, Iftikhar looks to go over covers but does not time it well. Luckily for him it falls short of the man in the deep. Single taken.
18.1
6
SIX!Bang! Perfect start to the over for Pakistan. Good length ball on off, Iftikhar waits for it and demolishes it over the long off fence for a biggie.
Richardson to bowl the penultimate over of the innings.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
2
0
Mitchell Starc 17/0(3)
17.6
.
Good over from Starc at this stage of the game. Just 6 off it he will take it. Good length ball on top of middle and leg, Imad looks to ramp by moving away from the stumps. He misses it though.
17.5
4
FOUR! This time Imad manages to connect and find the gap. Full and wide outside off, Imad clears his front leg and smashes it through mid off and cover for a boundary.
17.4
.
This is smart bowling from Starc. Bowls a slower one by rolling his fingers on this one. Imad looks to go hard at it but once again just hits it back to Mitchell.
17.3
.
Full toss but Imad cannot make the most of it. It is on middle and off, Imad clears his front leg but just manages to hit back at Starc.
17.2
2
Fuller on middle, Imad strokes it wide of long on and gets a couple.
17.1
.
Good length ball outside off, Imad swings his bat but misses.
Mitchell Starc is back. Looks like he will bowl the 18th and the final over. 2-0-11-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
1
1
Pat Cummins 19/1(4)
16.6
1
Length ball on off, cut by Wasim towards point for one.
16.5
1
DROPPED! Life given to Iftikhar Ahmed! On the pads of Ahmed, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket. The ball goes uppishly with Steven Smith running towards it. He puts in a slide to his right, gets two hands to it but drops it in the end. A routine catch for a fielder of his caliber but Steven has dropped it and the batters take one. Will this come back to bite them?
16.4
.
Length ball on off, Ahmed defends this one off the back foot.
16.3
4
FOUR! Ahmed finds the gap! Length ball outside off, Ahmed rocks back and cuts this one through backward point for a boundary.
16.2
1
Length ball on off, Wasim cuts this one towards point and takes a run.
16.1
1
On the pads of Iftikhar Ahmed, he flicks this one in front of square for a single.
Imad Wasim is the new man in. Pat Cummins has also returned to bowl his final over of the match.
In over# 1
1W
1
4
1
1
1
Ashton Agar 23/2(4)
15.6
W
RUN OUT! It looked out to the naked eye and it is indeed out! Babar Azam gets to his fifty and goes out in the same ball. Excellent from David Warner. He has got this wicket out of nowhere. Floated on middle and leg, Babar Azam flicks it wide of deep mid-wicket and looks for two. Warner gets to the ball in a flash and has a shy at the keeper's end. He hits bull's eye. Babar puts in a dive but looks to be short. The square leg umpire goes upstairs to check and replay shows Babar is short of his crease and the dive is not enough to save him. Australia needed this wicket as this duo was starting to take the charge. Anticlimactic end to Babar's beautiful innings. He gets to his 12th T20I fifty and this might be the one he will not remember too fondly for the way it has ended.
The umpire has gone upstairs for a run out. It looks out to the naked eye after some brilliant work from David Warner.
15.5
1
Now squeezes it to sweeper cover for a single.
15.4
4
FOUR! Iftikhar took his time but now he is going after them. Floated on off, Iftikhar goes aerial and lofts it over covers for a boundary.
15.3
1
Floated on middle and leg, Babar comes down the track and milks it to long on for another single.
15.2
1
Iftikhar comes down the track and hits it hard but there is a man in deep at mid-wicket so just a single.
15.1
1
Flatter on middle and off, Babar comes down the track but gets an inside edge. The ball deflects to the off side off his pad. They take a single.
Agar to bowl out. He has been brilliant. 2/14 off his 3 overs.
In over# 1
2
2
6
4
0
0
Kane Richardson 29/1(3)
14.6
2
Another couple and Pakistan gaining some momentum finally. Fuller delivery on the pads, Ahmed slams this one down the ground. McDermott from long on parries it towards Finch who comes from long off and the batters are able to take two.
14.5
2
This time a couple. Good batting by Iftikhar. He creams this one towards the cover region where David Warner from sweeper cover puts in a dive and saves a couple of runs for his team.
14.4
6
SIX! Iftikhar taking the attack to the Aussies now. Short of a length on the body, Ahmed pulls this one over mid-wicket for a biggie. First of the game.
14.3
4
FOUR! Length ball on off again, this time Ahmed predicts it early and lofts this one over extra cover for a boundary.
14.2
.
Another length ball on off, Ahmed pushes this one towards the man at cover.
14.1
.
Length ball on off, Ahmed looks to cut this one but misses. Whizzes past the outside edge.
Richardson is back on. 2-0-15-1, his numbers.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
1
Adam Zampa 31/0(4)
13.6
1
On the pads of Ahmed, he flicks it towards square leg and takes a single.
13.5
1
Azam has played the square drive. The batters have run through for a single.
13.4
1
Zampa drags this one back again. Ahmed rocks back and plays this one towards point for one.
13.3
.
Ahmed opens the face of the bat and guides this one towards third man.
13.2
1
Zampa drags this one and it is pulled away by Azam for a single towards square leg.
13.1
1
Floated on middle, Ahmed looks to defend but gets an inside edge on it towards the leg side. The batters scamper for a quick single.
Zampa to bowl out from the other end now. 3-0-27-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
2
0
1
1
Pat Cummins 11/1(3)
12.6
1
Bouncer by Cummins down the leg side. Ahmed pulls this one towards backward square leg and takes a single to end the over.
12.5
.
Good length ball on off, Ahmed looks to flick this one towards the leg side but gets a leading edge towards point. He wants a single but is sent back by his skipper.
12.4
2
Length ball on middle again, this time Ahmed rocks back and pulls this one in front of square for a couple.
12.3
.
Length ball on middle and off, pushed back towards the bowler.
12.2
1
Length ball this time, Azam pulls this one towards deep mid-wicket and rotates strike.
12.1
1
On the pads of Ahmed, he uppishly flicks this one towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Cummins is back on. He was excellent in his first spell. 6 runs and a wicket off his first 2 overs.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0W
1
Ashton Agar 14/2(3)
11.6
1
On the pads of Iftikhar, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket and will keep strike for the next over.
11.5
.
Ahmed pushes this one back towards the bowler.
11.4
1
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
11.3
1
Floated on middle and leg, Ahmed pushes this one towards mid on and takes a single.
Iftikhar Ahmed is the new man in. His skipper is fighting a lone battle from the other end. Can he be the one to support him and provide this innings the much needed impetus it needs?
11.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The single has cost them as Ali has to depart now. Floated ball on middle and leg, Ali plays the slog sweep after getting his front foot out of the way. The ball goes high towards wide long on but does not have enough power on it to go all the way. Cummins in the deep takes an easy catch. Pakistan losing wickets in a heap here and not gathering any momentum.
11.1
1
Floated on middle and leg, Azam hits it down the ground towards long on. Azam sets off for a couple but Asif Ali does not want the second. Azam is agitated as he thought there was a second on offer.
In over# 1
2
1
1
1
1
1
Adam Zampa 26/0(3)
10.6
2
Tossed up on middle again, Asif strokes it wide of long on. Babar calls for two straightaway and they get it.
10.5
1
Floated on middle and leg, Babar comes down the track and nudges it to long on and rotates the strike.
10.4
1
Tossed up on middle and leg, Asif whips it behind square on the leg side for a run.
10.3
1
Flighted on middle, Babar milks it to long on for another single.
10.2
1
Quicker on middle. Bowled at 98.0 kph. Asif glances it to the on side for a single.
10.1
1
Floated on middle and leg, Babar flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Cummins was about to bowl but Finch has then decided to give it back to Zampa.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
0
4
1
Ashton Agar 10/1(2)
9.6
.
Floated on off, pushed to the off side by Ali.
Asif Ali walks out to bat now.
9.5
W
OUT! STUMPED! Rizwan's struggles have come to an end. Agar floats one ball on middle and leg. Rizwan comes down the track to attack the ball but misses it completely. The ball sneaks through his bat and pad. Carey collects it and whips the bails off with Rizwan way out of his crease. Pakistan struggling to get going as they are now 62/3.
9.4
1
On the pads of Azam, he flicks this one towards the leg side and takes one.
9.3
.
Azam looks to flick this one but is hit on the pads.
9.2
4
FOUR! Flicked away! On the pads, Azam flicks this one in front of square and the ball races to the fence. McDermott in the deep dives to save the boundary but fails to do so.
9.1
1
A slight hesitation between the batters but they survive. Rizwan comes down the track and pushes this one towards cover. He wants the single but there is slight hesitation between the two and Rizwan puts in a dive at the end which saves him.
In over# 1
1
1
2
4
1
4
Adam Zampa 19/0(2)
8.6
1
Rizwan comes down the track but does not time it. He manages to just milk it down to long off off the lower half of his bat for a single. Good over for Pakistan. They needed it. 13 from it.
8.5
1
Floated on off, Azam looks to push it towards the off side but the ball goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket and the batters take one.
8.4
2
Floated on middle and leg, Azam pushes this one down to long on and takes a couple.
8.3
4
FOUR! SMASHED! Babar Azam steps down the track and smashes this one back past the bowler for a boundary. Azam oozing in confidence.
8.2
1
Follows it up with a single by gently dabbing it to short third man.
8.1
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Rizwan premiditates what he wanted to do. He moves away as Zampa comes in. Zampa sees it and bowls it a bit wide. Mohammad though drags his sweep and hits it wide of long on for a boundary. Much needed one for him.
In over# 1
1lb
1
1
1
1
0
Ashton Agar 4/0(1)
7.6
1lb
On leg, Rizwan tries to flick this one but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards third man and the batters take a leg bye.
7.5
1
Azam flicks this one off the back foot towards square leg for a single.
7.4
1
Beautiful shot from Rizwan. He dances down the track and lofts it inside out over covers but gets just a single.
7.3
1
Azam flicks this one fine down the leg side for one.
7.2
1
On the pads of Rizwan, he flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
7.1
.
Beautiful work from Ashton Agar! He floats one on middle and off. Rizwan comes down the track and tries to push it towards mid off but Agar dives to his left and gathers the ball. He quickly gets up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Carey collects the ball and dislodges the bails as Rizwan puts in the dive. The umpire refers it upstairs but Rizwan's dive has saved him.
Spin from both ends. The left arm spin of Ashton Agar into the action now.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
2
1
Adam Zampa 6/0(1)
6.6
.
Shortish outside off, Azam cuts this one but straight to the man at point. 6 off the over and Australia on top.
6.5
1
On the pads of Rizwan, he flicks this one wide of mid-wicket for a single.
6.4
1
Floated on off, Azam pushes this one towards mid off and rotates the strike.
6.3
1
Rizwan comes down the track and pushes it towards cover for one.
6.2
2
Again shortish on middle and off, Rizwan pulls this one towards long on and takes a couple.
6.1
1
Shortish and wide outside off, Azam cuts it towards point and takes one.
Spin time! Adam Zampa into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
1
Pat Cummins 6/1(2)
5.6
1
Length ball on off, Azam defends it with soft hands off his back foot to the off side and gets a single. Another good over from Cummins. Just 3 from this one as well. Only 6 runs off Cummin's two so far. Pakistan after a flashy start have tailed off and are 32/2 at the end of Powerplay.
5.5
1
Quick single. Nervy way to get off the mark. Good length ball on middle, Rizwan pushes it to the right of mid on and calls for a quick single. Warner quickly gets to the ball but fails to gather it cleanly. That helps Rizwan's case and he gets to the other end with relative ease.
5.4
.
Cummins bowling with some venom here. Good length ball on middle and leg, Rizwan looks to defend but gets an inside edge. The ball goes towards point after deflecting of his boot. He looks for a quick single but his skipper says no.
5.3
.
Good length ball on middle, it zips in off the deck. Rizwan does well to defend it.
5.2
.
Good length ball on off, Rizwan starts off with a back foot defense.
5.1
1
Good length ball on off, Azam pushes it wide of mid on for a single.
Mohammad Rizwan comes out to bat now with Pakistan in a spot of bother.
In over# 1
0W
2
0
0
1
1
Kane Richardson 15/1(2)
4.6
W
OUT! Caught and Bowled! Richardson makes a strong comeback after going for 11 in his first over. Richardson hits the deck hard on middle and off, Haris clears his front leg and looks to play a big pull over mid-wicket. He is a bit early in his short as the ball takes the top edge and goes high in the air. It comes down where silly point would have been placed. Richardson calls for the catch and takes it with ease. Two down Pakistan and their good start has not lasted long here.
4.5
2
In the air but in no man's land. Full on off and middle, Haris comes down and looks to go over covers. He does not time it well but there is no man in the deep there so he gets a couple as the man from sweeper cover cleans it up.
4.4
.
Slower ball on top of middle and leg, Haris guides it towards backward point and looks for a single but does not get it and rightfully so as all it would have been was a suicidal run out.
4.3
.
Length ball on top of middle, Haris pushes it to cover.
4.2
1
Good length ball on off, Babar nudges it to the right of point and eases to the other end.
4.1
1
On the pads, Haris whips it towards square leg and gets a single.
Change of ends for Kane Richardson.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
0W
0
Pat Cummins 3/1(1)
3.6
1
Length ball on top of off, Haris punches it to the right of mid off and keeps the strike. Brilliant start for Cummins. 3 runs and a wicket off his first.
3.5
2
Haris is off the mark. On the pads, Sohail flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a couple to get his scorecard ticking.
3.4
.
Bouncer! Cummins peppers Haris with a short one. Sohail keeps his eyes on the ball and ducks under it.
3.3
.
Fuller on off, Haris starts his innings with a watchful defense.
Haris Sohail is the next man in.
3.2
W
OUT! Caught! Cummins strikes in his very second ball of the first over! Fakhar Zaman's poor run in T20Is continues. Full on off, Fakhar looks to hit a short-arm jab over mid off. The ball rises a bit higher than he anticipated and it comes off the upper half of his bat. He does not get the elevation and the ball goes to the left of mid off. David Warner there slides to that side and takes a good low catch.
3.1
.
Cummins starts with a full ball on middle and leg, Fakhar taps it back to the bowler.
Pat Cummins replaces Kane Richardson after just one over bowled by the latter.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
4
Mitchell Starc 11/0(2)
2.6
.
Babar is angry at himself. Length ball around off, Babar smashes it hard but to the right of point. Steve Smith there manages to stop it. Babar grunt out a loud shout as he knew he should have scored a boundary there.
2.5
.
Good ball. Starc steams in a very full and pacy ball on off at over 147 kph. Babar manages to squeeze it to backward point.
2.4
4
FOUR! Geez this is beautiful batting. Around the hips of Babar, he shows his class and picks it with ease over mid-wicket for a boundary.
2.3
.
On off, Azam punches it to cover-point.
2.2
.
Another beautiful shot but this one is straight to cover. Good length ball on off, Babar punches this hard too but this time to the man at cover.
2.1
4
FOUR! Off like a bullet train! Length ball outside off, Babar gets on his back foot and smashes his punch through covers. And in a blink of an eye the ball is off to the fence.
In over# 1
0
1
2
0
4
4
Kane Richardson 11/0(1)
1.6
.
Dot to finish the over but an expensive start for Richardson. 11 off his first. Length ball on off, Babar hits it off the back foot with no foot movement straight to cover. Solid start for Pakistan.
1.5
1
Another one on the pads, Babar glances it to the on side and gets to the other end.
1.4
2
Around the pads, Babar flicks it with ease through mid-wicket for a couple.
1.3
.
Comes closer to the off pole, Babar defends it with a horizontal bat off his back foot.
1.2
4
FOUR! This time off the back foot! Another beautiful shot. Back of a length around off, Babar gets on his back foot and punches it through covers for another boundary. Not an ideal start for Kane here.
1.1
4
FOUR! Classic Babar cover drive. Beautiful shot this. Good length ball on off, Babar gets on his front foot and drives it on the up through covers for a boundary.
Kane Richardson to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
1
0
Mitchell Starc 3/0(1)
0.6
.
Full and fast down the leg side, Fakhar looks to flick but the ball clips his boot and goes behind to Carey. 3 off the first over. Nice start for Australia.
0.5
2
Full ball outside off, Zaman drives it past the diving point fielder for a single.
0.4
.
This time flicks it but straight to mid-wicket.
0.3
.
Direct hit and Babar would have been back to the hut. Full inswinging ball on middle and leg, Fakhar looks to flick. All he gets is a thin inside edge onto the pads. He comes out looking for a run but then decides against it. Babar was half way out and had to go back. The fielder at mid-wicket gets to the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end. Babar puts in a desperate dive but if it was a direct hit, this would have been it.
0.2
1
In the air but in the gap. Starc corrects his line and bowls a full ball outside off, Babar drives it uppishly through backward point for a single.
0.1
.
Starc starts with a terrible ball first up. It is a full toss on middle and off, Babar does not expect it and he ends up just pushing it towards mid on. Real let off for Starc first up.
We are all set to begin! The Australian players walk out onto the field with their skipper leading them. Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam walks out with Fakhar Zaman to open the innings. The left-arm pace of Mitchell Starc to start the proceedings with the ball. The Pakistan skipper will face the first ball. Here we go!
Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan.
Australia (Unchanged Playing XI): David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steven Smith, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.
TOSS - We are all set for the spin of the coin. Australian skipper, Aaron Finch has the coin in hand. Up it goes and it comes down in favour of Babar Azam. PAKISTAN OPT TO BAT!
So, after the first T20I was abandoned due to rain, it's now time for the 2nd T20I between Australia and Pakistan which is going to be played at Canberra. It is the first ever T20I which is going to be played at the Manuka Oval. So far, Australia have been decimating opponents at home. First, it was Sri Lanka, who were thrashed 3-0 in the T20I series. Australia were way better than them in all departments and the same story continued in the first T20I between Pakistan and the hosts as they were cruising to a win before rain saved the visitors' blushes. The showers came pouring down with 78 runs needed in 71 balls for Australia and it would have been a pretty easy task for them. Pakistan will be hoping to improve on that performance and gain an advantage in what is now a 2-match T20I series. Will the no.1 T20I side in the world come up with a surprise performance? Or will the hosts roll them over? Stay tuned for the Toss.
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