The win against South Africa in the day/night Test seemed to have rejuvenated Australia captain Steven Smith, who scored a record-breaking 164 at the Sydney Cricket Ground to take his team to a 68-run win against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.
Smith was in a punishing mood against the sloppy Kiwis, who were poor on the field. Despite Australia losing wickets at regular intervals early on, Smith held the innings together with his deft flicks and on drives, whenever he was provided with opportunities.
Smith’s marathon knock is his highest ODI score and is also an SCG record. New Zealand were out-batted in the contest.
The highlight of the game, though, was his catch off BJ Watling, diving full length to his left at gully with his weaker left hand pouching the ball. It’s surely a contender for the catch of the season but we have come across Smith pulling off blinders like these regularly over the years.