[Watch] Steve Smith falls for 35 to Mohammad Hasnain in 2nd AUS vs PAK 2024 ODI
Australia batter Steve Smith failed to make the most of his start after being dismissed for 35 runs off 48 deliveries in the second ODI against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, November 8. The dismissal continues the right-handed batter's inconsistent run in ODIs, which includes just one fifty in the last eight innings.
After putting Australia into bat, Pakistan made regular breakthroughs to devoid the batters of any momentum. With both opening batters in the pavilion inside the powerplay, and a double strike in the early part of the middle overs, the score read 87/4 in the 16th over.
Smith, being the settled batter, had a huge role to play at this juncture of the innings. However, the batter could not resist going for an expansive shot against a Mohammad Hasnain delivery well outside the off stump. The 35-year-old went chasing after the delivery with outstretched arms, only to claim a faint edge, pouched comfortably by Mohammad Rizwan.
Smith had survived a close LBW shout just prior to his dismissal. Pakistan had taken the decision upstairs, but since the wickets hitting were 'umpire's call', the on-field call of not out stood firm.
Have a look at the dismissal right here:
Smith had scored a well-compiled 44 in the series opener against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). While he has been able to amass starts in recent times, a big score has eluded him. On the recent tour of England, he notched three scores in single figures, but looked in sublime touch in the remaining matches.
Australia dependent on all-rounders and batting depth after Smith's departure
The men in Yellow are facing a batting crisis for the second match in succession. With the top-order not staying long, the pressure has naturally been on the middle order.
In this instance, Australia have already lost more than half of their side with more than half of the overs remaining, on what is a relatively good surface for batting.
As of writing, Haris Rauf has notched his third wicket of the contest after dismissing Aaron Hardie to leave the hosts struggling at 121-6.