Steve Smith departs [Source: @viratgoback/X.com]
Steve Smith had a rough day against Pakistan in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on November 8. He scored 35 runs from 48 balls, but he had a narrow escape right before he got out, thanks to a close LBW review.
The action happened in the 21st over when Mohammad Hasnain was bowling. Hasnain nearly dismissed Smith in that over with a delivery aimed at the middle stump. Smith shuffled across the stumps, missed the shot, and the ball hit his thigh pad. Hasnain appealed for LBW, but after a review, Smith was given not out and got to stay.
However, on the very next ball, Hasnain got his revenge. He bowled a short and wide ball outside off-stump, and Smith went for a big cut shot. Unfortunately, he only managed to get a thick edge, which went straight to Rizwan behind the stumps, who easily caught it. It was a poor shot, and Smith had to walk back to the pavilion.
Australia Struggle Against Pakistan’s Bowling
Pakistan chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and their decision paid off. They started strong with Shaheen Afridi dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk early and then taking down Matthew Short, who scored 19 runs. This left Australia in a tough spot as both openers were out.
Haris Rauf joined in, picking up the wickets of Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne, leaving Australia half-down. By the 25th over, Australia are struggling at 120 for 5.