Steve Smith closes in on breaking Ricky Ponting's record
The Aussies are playing the Netherlands in Delhi
Australian top-order batter Steve Smith is closing in on breaking Ricky Ponting’s record as the Aussies are playing the Netherlands in the 24th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, India, on Wednesday.
Smith, 34, is considered one of the greatest batters of all time and specifically of this generation, and he is now close to breaking the record of his country’s legend, Ponting, who led Australia to two World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007.
Ponting has eleven 50+ scores for Australia in the World Cups, he is now followed closely by Smith who now has ten 50+ scores for the five-time World Champions.
Adam Gilchrist and David Warner are ranked third on this list with nine 50+ scores while Mark Waugh and Michael Clarke are fourth with eight 50+ scores.
Australia still have four more matches to play and it is very likely for Smith to break Ponting’s record while Warner can also possibly equal Punter’s record considering the form he is in.
Australia are currently playing the Netherlands in an important World Cup match, if the Aussies win this match they will strengthen their position in the points table with six points.
By the time this story was filed, the Aussies were batting at 162-2 in 24 overs with David Warner (78*) and Marnus Labuschagne (1*) still on the crease.
It must be noted that Australia suffered back-to-back defeats in their first two matches of the World Cup against India and South Africa but bounced back quickly and defeated Sri Lanka and Pakistan, making their way back to the top four.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands only have one win in the World Cup but the statistics don’t do justice to the fight they put against top teams in the event.
Playing XIs
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max ODowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
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