Steve Smith in ‘horrible’ World Cup drama as Australia beats South Africa

Steve Smith’s “livid” act almost went overlooked in the thrilling end to Australia’s win, but the drama will carry into the World Cup final.

Steve Smith’s sigh of relief must have been the biggest in the entire dressing room as Australia moved through to the World Cup final on Friday morning.

The Aussie’s run chase looked seriously imperilled when Smith threw his wicket away with his team still needing 39 runs to reach South Africa’s total of 212.

It was Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc who got Australia over the line, to hand South Africa its fifth World Cup semi-final defeat.

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Smith had been the rock in the middle of Australia’s innings with a hard-fought 30 from 62 balls — but the pressure of his slow run-rate eventually caused what can only be described as a moment of madness.

Former England captain Michael Atherton described as a “horrible hack” when Smith tried to heave the ball onto the leg side. The former captain was all muddled up when Gerald Coetzee caught him surprise with a delivery outside off stump.

Steve Smith had a shocker. Photo: Fox Cricket.

Steve Smith was furious with himself. Photo: Fox Cricket.

Smith appeared to gamble on the delivery being a short ball— and he paid the ultimate price for it.

Former Aussie star Dirk Nannes said: “It was a very interesting shot from Steve Smith. You can understand his pre-meditation. Thinking the ball was going to be short.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson added in commentary: “That’s an uncharacteristic loose shot from Smith”.

What a brainfade moment from Steve Smith.... I just cannot understand throwing away this wkt here.... What was the need ? someone must ask him.... Out of all the people you don't expect this from Smith.... Sums up his horrible World Cup campaign so far

— Abhinandan (@Abhinandan6638) November 16, 2023

Cannot believe that from Steve Smith. That is a shocker. So uncharacteristic. He and Inglis were in total control.#SAvAUS#CWC23

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) November 16, 2023

Smith and Josh Inglis had put on a 37-run partnership off 59 balls After the wicket of Glenn Maxwell had Australia in trouble at 5/137.

It was the manner of Smith’s and Maxwell’s dismissals that have attracted criticism with the star-allrounder also giving his wicket away cheaply for just one run.

Smith was particularly livid with himself as he walked off the ground.

He was seen swiping his bat onto the ground and hung his head as he trudged back to the dug out.

He now gets a chance to shrug off the drama before Sunday night’s blockbuster final against host India - to be played at the 130,00-seast Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.