Steve Smith registers second-highest Champions Trophy score by Australian captain
What's the story
Australian batter Steve Smith has completed his 35th half-century in ODI cricket. Smith, who is leading the Aussies in place of the injured Pat Cummins, played a brilliant knock against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai. Smith made the most of the thunderous start given by Travis Head, with Australia electing to bat. Here are the key stats.
Knock
Smith carries Australia post Head's dismissal
Smith came in at 4/1 as Australia lost youngster Cooper Connolly. He added a 50-run stand with Head, who went after the Indian bowlers. However, Smith took the onus after Head's departure. He took Australia past 100 along with Marnus Labuschagne. Alex Carey later joined Smith, who smashed a 96-ball 73 (4 fours and 1 six). Mohammed Shami knocked the latter over.
Milestone
Smith only behind Ricky Ponting
As mentioned, Smith now has the second-highest individual score by an Australian captain in Champions Trophy history. He is only behind the legendary Ricky Ponting, who hammered a brilliant 111*(115) against England in the 2009 Champions Trophy semi-final. Smith could have become the seventh player to slam a ton while leading a side in the Champions Trophy.
Information
Smith once again shines on big stage
Smith once again proved his mettle on the big stage. He has a knack of scoring plenty of runs in knockout matches. His scores in the ICC ODI tournament knockouts read 65, 105, 56*, 85, 30, 4, and 73.
Career
Smith takes charge in Cummins's absence
As mentioned, Smith is leading Australia in the ongoing Champions Trophy. The Australian side are playing sans senior players Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood among others. Smith shone against India with his 35th half-century in ODI cricket. He now has 5,800 runs from 170 matches at an average of 43.28. Smith also has 12 ODI tons to his name.