ICC World Cup 2019: Steven Smith Equals Sachin Tendulkar's Knockout Record

Australia’s former skipper Steven Smith has equalled the record of Sachin Tendulkar in the knockout matches of the World Cup. Smith scored his fourth fifty of the knockout matches in the ODI showpiece. The talisman right-hander scored 85 runs from 119 balls in the semifinal against arch-rivals England. However, his efforts with the bat went in vain as England thrashed Australia by eight wickets.

Thus, this was the fourth consecutive fifty for Smith in the World Cup matches. Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar had scored four fifties in the seven knockout matches of the World Cup.

In fact, Smith last three scores in knockout matches read as 65, 105 and 56*. Hence, Smith has stood tall in the big matches for the Australia team. Smith has been a big match player and he has proven it on many occasions.

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On the other hand, England came up with a dominating performance in the semifinal contest. In fact, the hosts won with 107 balls to spare as they obliterated the defending champions.

A battling fifty from Steve Smith – he's delivered when his side needed him to. #AUSvENG | #CWC19 | #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/7rTe6Sb3ET

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 11, 2019

Australia had their backs against the wall as they were tottering at 14-3. Subsequently, Steven Smith scored a fine knock of 85 runs to rebuild Australia’s innings with Alex Carey.

Both the batsmen added 103 runs for the fourth wicket partnership and did a fine job. Smith ended with 379 runs in the 10 matches of the World Cup.

Smith added 39 runs with Glenn Maxwell and 51 runs with Mitchell Starc to take Australia to 223 runs. However, the linchpin batsman could not find support from the other end.

Meanwhile, England will play New Zealand in the final of the World Cup at Lord’s on 14th July. Jason Roy had played a fine knock of 85 runs from 65 balls with the help of nine fours and five sixes. Chris Woakes was awarded the Man of the match for taking three wickets.