Top 3 ODI knocks played by Steve Smith

Top 3 ODI knocks played by Steve Smith (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Australia’s star batter Steve Smith’s brilliance in Test cricket is unquestionable, but his impact in ODIs is often not talked about as much. Across 170 matches, Smith scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, along with a strike rate of 86.96. Throughout his ODI career, he smashed 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries and was also part of the two ODI World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023.

Starting as a leg-spin bowling all-rounder, Smith reinvented himself into one of Australia’s most dependable top-order batters. After captaining Australia in 64 ODIs, Smith announced his retirement from the format following the team’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final defeat against India. In his last innings, he was Australia’s top scorer with 73 runs.

Though he won’t feature in the 50-over format, he will feature in Test cricket and T20Is and hopes to play in the 2028 Olympics if given the chance. Despite ranking 12th in Australia’s all-time ODI run-scorers, Smith’s ability to score on big occasions makes him one of the world’s finest ODI batters.

Here are the three best ODI knocks of Steve Smith:

3. 105 vs India in ODI World Cup 2015 semi-final

The 35-year-old displayed a batting masterclass in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against India, scoring a match-winning 105 off 93 balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), making it his first World Cup ton. Coming into the match, Smith had been in good touch but hadn’t yet registered a century in the tournament. He hammered the Indian bowlers all around the ground, hitting 11 fours and two sixes.

Batting first, Australia posted 328/7, with Smith anchoring the innings alongside Aaron Finch. The centurion made full use of the conditions at his home ground. India’s bowlers struggled to tackle him, and even their bouncer strategy worked only after he had done the damage. Smith was named Player of the Match as Australia crushed the Men in Blue by 95 runs, crashing into the summit clash.

2. 164 vs New Zealand in 2016 home series

The New South Wales-born once again lit up the SCG with a brilliant 164 in the first ODI of the home series against New Zealand in December 2016. Walking in after Aaron Finch’s golden duck, Smith anchored the innings and played through the middle overs, smashing 14 fours and four sixes in his 157-ball stay. His 127-run stand with Travis Head (52) stabilized the host’s innings after early trouble, helping in putting up 324/8. Notably, this was Steve Smith‘s highest score in the 50-over format.

Apart from his batting, Smith showed his impressive fielding skills, pulling off a stunning one-handed catch at backward point to dismiss BJ Watling, one which he later rated as his best. New Zealand fought back through Martin Guptill’s 114, but Josh Hazlewood’s three wickets sealed a 68-run win. Smith’s all-round heroics earned him the Player of the Match award.

1. Unbeaten 56* vs New Zealand in 2015 ODI World Cup Final

Steve Smith’s most cherished moment in ODI cricket came when Australia won the 2015 World Cup, defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the finals at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Remaining unbeaten on 56, he hit the winning runs with what he later described as a whip-pull shot kinda thing, securing Australia’s fifth World Cup title in front of 93,013 fans.

With the ball racing to the boundary, Smith threw off his helmet and gloves, jumped into Shane Watson’s arms, and created an unforgettable moment in World Cup history. In the entire tournament, he had passed 50-plus scores in five consecutive innings, including a century in the semi-final against India. Chasing 184, Australia lost Aaron Finch early but recovered through Smith and Michael Clarke’s partnership, with the latter scoring a 74. The right-hand batter was the highest run-getter for his side with 402 runs in seven innings at an average of 67.00.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

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