Steve Smith urges Australia to be more clinical

Omnisports

March 21, 2016 6:33 AM

Steve Smith wants Australia's batsmen to be more clinical despite getting off the mark in the World Twenty20 with a three-wicket win over Bangladesh.

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Australia captain Steve Smith has called on their batsmen to be more clinical despite getting off the mark in the World Twenty20 with a three-wicket win over Bangladesh.

Usman Khawaja's first T20I fifty helped Australia bounce back from defeat to New Zealand in their opening Super 10 match, chasing down a target of 157 with nine balls to spare.

But only two other players produced a score of over 20 as Bangladesh took wickets at regular intervals to make the finish nervier than it perhaps should have been after Khawaja put Australia well ahead of the run rate.

Speaking after Monday's contest in Bangalore, Smith said: "We made it difficult at the end and Bangladesh bowled quite well in the middle overs.

"It was about the top four going on and get a not out and making it more clinical. We haven't been good enough in the middle overs.

"We've had a bit of travel, but it's not an excuse. Pakistan and India play well in these conditions and we have to do better.

"The pitches weren't like this in the IPL [Indian Premier League]. Our players have to adapt better."

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, named man of the match after taking 3-23 as Bangladesh were restricted to 156-5, added: "After a disappointing loss to New Zealand, [it is] nice to get the tournament rolling.

"I've played three or four games here now, it's a learning curve. Just getting used to the length and the pace and to different players and their areas."

Omnisports

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