[Watch] Steve Smith Upset As Haris Rauf Executes Perfect Trap To Send Him Packing

Steve Smith departs [Source: Screegrab/Hotstar]

Flamboyant Australian batter Steve Smith was in the mood to make a significant impact in the series opener of the three-match ODI series against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 4. However, the batter, who was inching towards his half-century, departed for 44 runs from 46 balls against Haris Rauf's pace attack.

Steve Smith stepped on to bat at no 3 after Shaheen Shah and Naseem Shah sent the opener Matthew Short (1) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (16), respectively. It was Haris Rauf's turn to join the party and bring up his first wicket of the day.

On the 3rd ball of the 16th over, Haris Rauf eyeing to break the building partnership between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis of 85 runs, bowled a short of a length delivery outside off with Smith cutting it firmly hits it straight to the backward point. However, it was Saim Ayub stationed at the point who took a sharp reverse cup catch to send the big fish back to the pavilion. The right-handed batter was left in disguise and shook his head while taking the long walk back.

Pakistan Post 204 Target For Aussies

Earlier in the match, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, which turned out to be in their favour as they took early wickets and sent Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique early. It was the Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan's wicket, which was taken by Adam Zampa and then it was Marnus Labuschagne sending the new captain for 44 runs. 

Despite losing the wickets at regular intervals, it was Naseem Shah who helped Pakistan to set the target of 204 runs. While Australia are six wickets down, they are looking to chase down the score with Aaron Hardie and Sean Anthony Abbott at the crease.

---

ALSO READ

AUS vs PAK 1st ODI Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s 1st ODI Match Between AUS vs PAK?

---