Reliving the tense phase, Smith described the buildup: Pakistan were mounting a fierce chase, and Babar was primed to unleash another over of his deceptive spin. Spotting an opportunity for a single, Smith instead chose to anchor himself at the crease, denying the rotation.

‘I knew Babar was itching for that extra over. His eyes said it all,’ Smith recounted with a chuckle. He broke down the reasoning – protecting his partner’s wicket, optimizing the batting powerplay, and forcing Pakistan into suboptimal bowling changes.

This wasn’t mere instinct; it was vintage Smith – reading the game three steps ahead. The decision paid dividends as Australia’s bowlers stemmed the flow of runs, securing a hard-fought victory.

Babar later acknowledged the smart play, calling it ‘top-class cricket brain.’ The exchange exemplifies how T20 and ODI formats have evolved into chess matches with bats and balls.

For aspiring cricketers, Smith’s thought process offers invaluable insights into match-winning decisions. As rivalries intensify, expect more such brain fades and tactical masterstrokes in upcoming series.