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Smith's maiden hundred takes Australia to 255/8

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AFP Dubai
Steven Smith hit his maiden hundred to propel Australia to 255 for 8 in the first day-night international against Pakistan in Sharjah on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old anchored the Australian innings during his 118-ball 101 and hit six boundaries and two sixes after Australia decided to bat on a flat Sharjah Stadium pitch.

Smith walked in as early as the second ball of the match when opener Aaron Finch was caught off a casual shot at point from lanky paceman Mohammad Irfan.

Smith consolidated the innings with an 86-run second wicket stand with David Warner (43) and another 37 with skipper George Bailey (18) for the third wicket.
 

Warner fell to Afridi while Bailey holed out to part-time spinner Fawad Alam.

Dashing all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (21) failed to take advantage of two dropped catches as he gave away his wicket to debutant spinner Zulfiqar Babar.

Afridi was the best Pakistani bowler with 3-46, after going wicket-less in his last six matches.

Smith too holed out off Afridi in the 45th over, leaving Brad Haddin (23 not out) and Mitchell Johnson (21) to give the final touches.

Smith's previous best of 46 not out came against England at Adelaide in 2011.

Pakistan gave a one-day debut to Babar to shoulder the spin attack in the absence of Saeed Ajmal, who was suspended for an illegal bowling action last month and is not on the tour.

At 35 years and 301 days, Babar is the second oldest Pakistani to debut behind Younis Ahmed, who played his first ODI at 39 years and 121 days in 1987.

Australia handed a one-day debut to Sean Abbott after the 22-year-old paceman impressed in his team's six-wicket win in the only Twenty20 match in Dubai on Sunday.

The remaining one-day matches will be played in Dubai (October 10) and Abu Dhabi (October 12). The one-days will be followed by two Tests.

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First Published: Oct 07 2014 | 9:25 PM IST

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