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.