[Watch]: Faheem Ashraf grabs a one-handed stunner to send Steve Smith packing
Star Australian batter Steve Smith once again failed to convert his half-century into a big hundred, as he had to depart for a well-made 72 late on Day 1 in the second Test against Pakistan.
The 32-year-old was undone by a spectacular catch in the slips by all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. Both Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith put on a sensational partnership and it looked like the duo would return unscathed to the pavilion at stumps.
However, as Steve Smith tried to punch a length ball from Hasan Ali through the covers, he could only edge the ball and Ashraf took a fine catch, diving low to his left in the slip cordon.
Here is a video of Smith's dismissal:
Is this one of the greatest slip catches ever? 😲
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Steve Smith's wicket only consolation for Pakistan on a day dominated by Australia
Australia would have been delighted to bat first on what looked to be an absolute belter of a wicket in Karachi. Openers David Warner and Khawaja got the visitors off to a sensational start once again.
After carefully negotiating the new ball burst from the hosts, both Warner and Khawaja feasted on the loose deliveries. Pakistan then struck back when Ashraf dismissed Warner with a beauty. The hosts seemed to be on top when in-form batter Marnus Labuschagne perished for a duck through a run-out.
But Khawaja and Smith soon got together and took the sting out of the Pakistan bowling attack. The duo showed great application and dominated the hosts, giving the bowlers no chance whatsoever.
Khawaja finally reached his hundred and added a massive 159 runs for the third wicket with Smith. Pakistan looked flat in the field and it seemed like they were waiting for the Aussies to make a mistake.
🇵🇰 ❤️ 🇦🇺
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Smith's wicket would definitely have given the hosts something to cheer about. But if they don't strike early on Day 2, it could be another long day on the field for them.