Veteran Australian cricketer Steve Smith has formally retired from international One-Day International (ODI) cricket. The statement was made after his team, Australia, lost to India in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Smith, having scored 5800 runs in 170 matches, has been one of the most successful players in ODI cricket with a high average of more than 43.
Even though he has decided to retire from ODIs, Smith will continue to play Test cricket and T20 internationals for Australia from here on in. With his multitude of batting styles and dependability, Smith became one of the best batsmen of world cricket.
Being a bowler in his younger days, Smith’s transition into a top-order batsman is nothing less than sensational and earned him commendation and admiration all over the globe. Here we revisit three of the most unforgettable innings scored by Steve Smith in the ODI frame of mind—innings that not only founded his career but also have gone on to possibly contribute greatly to the success of Australian cricket abroad.
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3 Top clutch performances by Steve Smith in the ODI format
1. 2015 World Cup Semi-Final Match-Winning 105 Runs Against India
One of the finest innings of Steve Smith in one-day cricket was played in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. In the semi-final, Australia faced India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Smith contributed significantly to the potential victory by Australia. In this tight game, Steve Smith scored 105 runs off 93 balls: His first century in a World Cup.
He played a key role for Australia to put up a competitive score, so Australia too to enter the final had to beat India by 95 runs. Smith’s steady knock in the middle, at a time when things were not very simple, was widely appreciated among fans and experts alike. Besides showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, this match-winning inning helped Australia reach its final, thereby hoping to establish its fifth World Cup title.
2. Explosive 164 Runs Against New Zealand in 2016
Steve Smith’s control in one-day cricket was clearly on display in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. He stepped up in the semi-final when Australia faced India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, playing a major role in securing what was a likely victory for Australia. In a tense encounter, he made 105 runs from 93 balls; thus making it his first century in World Cup matches.
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Thus for Australia to get into the finals, they had to beat India by 95 runs. Smith’s patient inning in the middle, when the situation was pretty tight, was quite appreciated by fans and experts alike. Other than proving his temperament in high-pressure situations, these match-winning innings also helped Australia to reach its finals, looking forward to establishing its fifth World Cup title.
This knock not only reaffirmed his position as a top-order batsman but also showcased his versatility since he was capable of playing aggressive as well as composed knocks based on the game situation. His capability to make big scores at home, particularly in Sydney, became one of his signatures.
3. Unbeaten 56* in the 2015 World Cup Final Against New Zealand
Steve Smith was crucial in Australia winning the World Cup in 2015. In fact, one of the turning points was the final against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia began their chase for 184 runs after it had lost Aaron Finch early on; hence, much of the pressure on that very chase lay with the middle order.
Smith, in combination with captain Michael Clarke, scored a match-winning stand that stabilized the boat and took Australia home. Smith’s 56 not out from 46 balls was instrumental in run-chasing and showed nerves of steel as Australia secured a victory by 7 wickets. This was particularly crucial due to the stakes of a World Cup final and displayed Smith’s calm nature and talent to perform at the pinnacle of the sport.
During the tournament, Smith was in top-notch form, scoring 402 runs in 7 innings at a rate of 67. His World Cup performances helped Australia win the trophy and were a reflection of his consistency and calmness under pressure.
A Career Full of Impact
Steve Smith’s ODI career has been characterized by a string of remarkable performances, and these three innings are some of the finest in his storied career. From match-winning hundreds to crucial contributions in high-pressure games, Smith’s capacity to hold innings together and score when it mattered most made him an indispensable asset for Australia in ODIs.
Although he has retired from global ODI cricket, his legacy will endure, and his performances will inspire generations of cricketers to come. Smith’s versatility, calmness, and aggressive batting style have made him one of the best cricketers of his generation, and his influence on Australian cricket will be felt for years to come.
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