[Watch] Quinton de Kock Takes A ‘Screamer’ As Steve Smith’s Misery Continues

Steve Smith after getting out to Gerald Coetzee in the World Cup 2023 semifinal (x.com)

An aggravated Steve Smith lost his wicket against the run-of-play to South African speedster Gerald Coetzee during the dying stages of their intense World Cup 2023 semifinal run-chase. Batting cautiously at 30* from 61 balls before his untimely dismissal, the Australian veteran swatted Coetzee across the line to break the shackles.

However, Smith merely managed to launch it high up in the air before a diving South African wicketkeeper, Quinton de Kock, safely pouched the ball to send the batsman packing back to the pavilion.

Australian batting legend Steve Smith arrived at the crease following the twin dismissals of opener David Warner and number three Mitchell Marsh in the eighth over of the innings. Chasing 213 runs to secure a spot in the World Cup 2023 finals, the cricketer guarded his end of the wicket with cautious runs and formed crucial partnerships with Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis.

However, a lapse in concentration led to Smith’s downfall as he decided to hoick struggling South African speedster Gerald Coetzee over the leg side boundary, only to launch the ball up in the night sky. Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock came running onto the pitch before completing a diving catch to send the Australian batsman back to the pavilion for 30.

Watch: Steve Smith holed out by Quinton de Kock

Steve Smith’s dismissal reduced Australia to 174-6, as they find themselves another 39 runs away from their target with four wickets in hand. Tailender Mitchell Starc arrived at the crease following Smith’s departure, as the speedster allies with well-set batter Josh Inglis to hunt down the remaining runs for his side.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] David Warner 'Dispatches' Kagiso Rabada With An ‘Acrobatic Scoop Six'

---