Smith century makes Pakistan pay

With a second loss from three games, Pakistan are still below Bangladesh in the ICC ODI Rankings. Bangladesh have 91 points compared to Pakistan's 90. However, if Pakistan, who are currently 8th, can secure one more win from their next two ODIs, they will overtake Bangladesh and become 7th with 92 points. Two wins would see them move to 93 points.

Australia capitalised on Pakistan's errors to win the ODI in Perth on Thursday by seven wickets, with skipper Steven Smith scoring a century.

Pakistan made 263 for seven after being sent to bat, having looked set to post a much bigger score at several stages. But the home side replied with 265 for three, winning with 30 balls to spare.

After Josh Hazlewood applied the brakes to a promising Pakistan innings with three wickets, skipper Smith and ODI debutant Peter Handscomb put on 183 for the third wicket in chase to set the Aussies on the path to victory.

Australia lead the five-match series 2-1. Pakistan had chances to seize control of the match, but paid the price for basic errors.

When they claimed openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja in five balls they had Australia wobbling at 45 for two.

One run later Handscomb was on his way back to the pavilion for a duck on debut, caught at first slip from the bowling of Junaid Khan.

Australia should have been 46 for three, but Handscomb was recalled to the centre due to a front foot no-ball.

To make matters worse, Handscomb had another life on 10 when a simple catch was dropped at point. That proved to be Pakistan's undoing.

Handscomb eventually fell for 82 from 84 balls, but the game was safely in Australia's hands by then.

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: 263 for 7 in 50 overs (Sharjeel 50, Babar 84; Hazlewood 3-32, Head 2-65)

AUSTRALIA: 265 for 3 in 45 overs (Smith 108 not out, Handscomb 82; Amir 1-36)

Result: Australia won by seven wickets.

Player-of-the-match: Steve Smith.