Key points
- Smith surpasses Tendulkar in ICC knockout fifties
- Kohli leads ICC knockout fifties with nine
- Smith becomes top overseas test scorer at Lord’s
ISLAMABAD: Australia’s seasoned batter Steve Smith has broken two major records with his gritty half-century in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against South Africa at The Lord’s on Wednesday.
The right-handed batter came in to bat when the title holders struggled at 16/2 and showed his toughness against a fired-up South African bowling unit.
The 36-year-old faced 112 balls in difficult conditions and did notch up a fighting fifty, his seventh score over fifty in ICC tournament knockouts.
Because of that, Smith overtook India’s legend Sachin Tendulkar, who had six fifty-plus scores from 15 knockout appearances.
India’s Virat Kohli is still topping the list for most fifty-plus knocks in ICC knockouts, having done it nine times.
Most test runs
Also, Steve Smith’s 66-run innings took him to the top of the list of overseas batters with the most Test runs at Lord’s, taking his total to 578.
The Aussie right-hander got past his fellow countryman Warren Bardsley (575), West Indies’ Sir Garfield Sobers (571), Australia’s Sir Don Bradman (551), and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (512) with his solid innings.
His record-breaking innings, along with Beau Webster’s 72 off 92 balls, helped Australia reach 212 before being bowled out in 56.4 overs.
Best bowler
Kagiso Rabada was the best bowler for South Africa, claiming five wickets for 51 in 15.4 overs. He was backed up by fellow pacer Jansen with three scalps, while spin duo Aiden Markram and Maharaj got one each.
In return, Australia’s pace trio of Mitchell Starc, skipper Pat Cummins, and comeback man Josh Hazlewood wrecked South Africa’s top order to put the holders in control.
Starc bagged two wickets, while Cummins and Hazlewood picked up one apiece, reducing South Africa to 43/4 in 22 overs by Stumps.
Captain Temba Bavuma and middle-order man David Bedingham were not out on three and eight respectively and will carry on South Africa’s innings on Day 2, still behind by 169 runs.
