Steve Smith vs Mohammed Shami: How Indian Pacer Can Trouble Aussie Great?

Steve Smith vs Mohammed Shami [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]

Unbeaten Indian team and serial trophy winners Australia will be squaring off in the first semifinal of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday, March 4. The much-awaited contest will be hosted by the Dubai International Stadium, and the winner will become the first side of the competition to book a place in the finals.

Steve Smith’s prospective duel with senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami will likely stand out as one of the most captivating as well as a match-defining aspect of the game. Ahead of India’s semifinal showdown against Australia, here is a look at how Steve Smith and Mohammed Shami have fared against each other in ODIs.

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Why Will Mohammed Shami Be Important For India?

Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami recently made his return to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff. After delivering a match-winning spell against England in a T20I at the Wankhede Stadium last month, the speedster shattered Bangladesh’s batting line-up with a scintillating five-fer in India’s opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

A veteran of 106 ODIs, Shami has picked up 202 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 23.92. A bowler designed for the big stage; the cricketer continues to remain a vital pace exponent in India’s fast bowling setup. Moreover, Mohammed Shami has also tangled with several of current Australian batters in the past, making him an experienced campaigner against the likes of Steve Smith, Travis Head and others. All in all, even a half-fit Shami is crucial to India’s Champions Trophy prospects, especially on a grand stage like the impending semifinal.

Steve Smith vs Mohammed Shami

Table – Mohammed Shami vs Right-Handed Batters in ODIs

Mohammed Shami holds a formidable track record against right-handed batters in ODI cricket. His bowling average of 23.60 against the right-hander’s marks even slightly better than his overall career ODI average of 23.92. He also holds an impressive dot ball percentage of more than 60 in such scenarios. 

Table – Steve Smith vs Mohammed Shami in ODIs

While Mohammed Shami has conceded runs at a strike rate of more than 100 against Steve Smith, the legendary Indian speedster has also dismissed the interim Australian skipper four times in the format. Moreover, Smith’s batting average of 29.5 against Shami falls far below his career ODI batting average of 43.06.

How Steve Smith Can Combat Mohammed Shami?

Steve Smith can still counter Mohammed Shami with precision and calculated aggression. Notably, Smith holds a batting average of 41 in ODIs against right-arm fast bowlers and right-arm medium pacers. On a slow and tricky Dubai surface, the vintage Australian batter can bide his time early in the innings to take the Indian seamer out of the equation.

Table – Steve Smith Stats Against Right-Arm Fast Bowlers In ODIs

All in all, Steve Smith’s prospective duel against Mohammed Shami has the potential to set the tone for the high-profile game. While Shami can gain an upper hand over Smith by forcing the Australian legend into the crease early in the innings, the latter can use the conditions to his advantage with calculated stroke play.

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