Sublime Smith steers Aus

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 Twenty20 series.

Top-ranked Pakistan set a competitive 150 for six 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 for three with nine balls to spare.

It put them 1-0 up after the opening match in Sydney on Sunday was abandoned due to rain. The final game is in Perth on Friday.

“Very pleasing. I thought we were pretty good all day,” said skipper Aaron Finch.

“To get wickets consistently was key. Everyone is playing their roles really well, and we’ve got guys like Steve, who does what he does best.”

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: 150 for 6 in 30 overs (Azam 50, Iftekhar 62 not out; Agar 2-23)

AUSTRALIA: 151 for 3 in 18.3 overs (Warner 20, Smith 80 not out, McDermott 21; Irfan 1-27)

Result: Australia won by seven wickets.

Player-of-the-match: Steve Smith.