AUS vs PAK: Smith Wishes To Better His 'Not Crash-Hot' T20I Batting Record

Steve Smith wants to improve his batting record in the T20I as he feels it is not 'crash-hot'

Australia batsman Steve Smith is regarded as one of the modern-day batting greats in Test cricket. However, he struggles with his average when it comes to ODIs and T20Is. He possesses a staggering average of 64.56 in longest format but it drops down to 41.41 in ODIs and goes further down to 27.47 in the shortest format. On Tuesday, Smith guided his team to a massive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20I with his impressive unbeaten 80-run knock. Australia have gained 1-0 lead in the three-match series as the first game was washed out. After the game, the former Australian skipper admitted that he wants his T20Is record to improve considering he has played a lot of matches. “If you look at my batting record in T20 internationals, it's not crash-hot,” International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Smith as saying. “I guess you have to bear in mind ... [early in my career] I was batting No.8 or 9, coming in and slogging, facing half a dozen balls tops. It's never easy, so it's going to affect your record at some point. “I don't doubt my ability. I know the tempos of the game. I've played a lot of [T20] cricket now. I may not be as strong as some of the other guys, but I use placement and timing,” he added. Earlier, opting to bat first, opener Babar Azam's (50) half-century followed by Iftikhar Ahmed's 62 propelled Pakistan to a fighting 150/6 in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, Smith stabilised the situation after a couple of early blows and swiftly propelled his side to victory with 9 balls to spare. His unbeaten knock came off just 51 balls and was laced with 11 boundaries and a six. Australia will compete against Pakistan in the third T20I on November 8.