Smith stars as Australia win thriller

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12 April 2012

New South Wales prodigy Steven Smith lived up to the hype after making an international debut to remember as Australia snatched Twenty20 victory from the jaws of defeat against Pakistan at the MCG.

The leg-spinning all-rounder - who was one of two debutants along with Tasmania batsman Travis Birt - showed nerves of steel to swing a game that looked lost Australia's way with two wickets in successive overs as the home side somehow defended a total of just 127.

After Australia failed to bat out their full 20 overs, Pakistan appeared on course for a comfortable win when they were cruising at 98 for four - but ended up falling two runs short after finishing on 125 for nine.

And it was thanks to the unlikely combination of Smith's leg-spin and the sheer pace of Shaun Tait that Pakistan capitulated yet again to ensure they ended a dismal tour without a solitary victory.

Tait, who sent down a 160.7kph thunderbolt in the opening over, reduced Pakistan to 10 for two before coming back to remove danger man Kamran Akmal, who scored a magnificent 64 off just 33 balls.

The South Australian's body may no longer be able to hold up in the longer forms of the game, but he showed yet again that he is one of the best bowlers in the world in this format with three for 13 off his four overs.

However, it was 20-year-old Smith who caused the Pakistan innings to disintegrate when he removed Fawad Alam, caught at first slip for one, and Rana Naved-Ul-Hasan, stumped for one, in successive overs to finish with a more than creditable two for 34.

Victoria quick Dirk Nannes then finished off the tourists when he conceded just two runs and claimed the wicket of Umar Gul in the 19th over.

Earlier in the day, David Hussey top-scored for the hosts with an unbeaten 40.

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