Smith climbs to No. 2 in ICC knockout charts, ahead of Tendulkar, behind Kohli

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith added another feather to his illustrious cap by surpassing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in terms of fifty-plus scores in ICC tournament knockout matches. With his composed innings in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s, Smith now holds the second-highest number of fifty-plus scores in ICC knockouts.

Smith walked out to bat under pressure with Australia reeling at 16/2, and once again proved why he’s considered Australia’s go-to man in big matches. The right-hander showcased his trademark poise and timing, compiling a crucial 66 off 112 deliveries, laced with 10 well-placed boundaries. His innings came at a steady strike rate of 58.92 and served as a stabilising force after early setbacks.

With this knock, Smith registered his seventh fifty-plus score in ICC knockout matches, going past Tendulkar, who had six such scores in 15 appearances. Tendulkar, despite accumulating more runs (682 at an average of 48.71 with one century and five fifties), now trails Smith in terms of frequency and consistency in crucial fixtures.

Smith, across 13 ICC knockout matches, has amassed 650 runs at an impressive average of 59.09, including two centuries and five fifties. His highest score in knockouts remains 121, underlining his ability to convert on the big stage.

While Smith has moved past Tendulkar in fifty-plus scores, the crown still firmly rests on Virat Kohli, who is in a league of his own. The Indian superstar remains the only cricketer to have crossed the 1,000-run mark in ICC knockouts, scoring 1,024 runs in 22 matches at an average of 51.20. Kohli’s record includes one century and nine fifties, with a best of 117 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal at Mumbai.

As for the WTC final match context, South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bowl first under overcast conditions. The Proteas quickly reduced Australia to 67/4 in the opening session, thanks to early breakthroughs from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

However, Smith’s partnership with young all-rounder Beau Webster, who remained unbeaten on 55 at tea, resurrected Australia’s innings. Their efforts guided the team to 190/6 by the second interval. Rabada and Jansen remained South Africa’s most effective bowlers, picking up two wickets apiece and continually challenging the Aussie batters with their seam and bounce.

This article first appeared on Mid Day