Skipper Steve Smith smashed an enthralling hundred as Australia recovered from late jitters to enter the cricket tri-series final with a thrilling three-wicket triumph over England here on Friday.Smith’s third ODI ton was instrumental in helping the home side chase down a steep target of 304 with one ball to spare after the middle-order failed to offer him steady support.
For England, Ian Bell’s 141-run knock went in vain as Smith stole the thunder, continuing his blistering batting form this season. England would now hope for India to lose Monday’s match to Australia to make the final.Smith’s knock came off 95 deliveries and included half a dozen fours and a towering six.Australia’s chase was off to a steady start with openers Aaron Finch (32) and Shaun Marsh (45) sharing a 76-run stand.
Finch, who scored at run a ball and struck three fours, was yorked by off-spinner Moeen Ali, which was followed by a couple of quick dismissals.From a comfortable, 253/3, the Aussies were reduced to a shaky 275/5 before Smith and Haddin steadied the ship.However, next man in Smith continued his stupendous run of form even as he struggled to get support at the other end. While Cameron White departed without disturbing the scoreboard, Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner failed to convert their fine starts.
Maxwell, who looked solid in his 38-ball 37, holed out at deep mid-wicket to Joe Root while attempting a slog sweep off Ali, who was the most economical English bowlers with figures of 2/50 in his 10 overs. Maxwell shared a 69-run fifth-wicket stand with Smith.
Brief Scores
England: 303/8 (Ian Bell 141, Joe Root 69; Gurinder Sandhu 2/49) lost to Australia: 304/7 (Steve Smith 102 not out, Brad Haddin 42; Moeen Ali 2/50, Chris Woakes 2/58) by 3 wickets.