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Steve Smith and Aaron Finch (Image Source: Twitter)
The “Super 12” stage of the ongoing 20-20 World Cup 2022 began on 22 October 2022. Defending champions, Australia took on New Zealand in Sydney. Australia were coming off after losing the home T20I series against England. While New Zealand also lost the home tri-series final against Pakistan. So, both teams were looking for a winning start in their first match.
However, there were reports that Australia might drop Steve Smith from their line-up to manage a balance. Meanwhile, it came out true as Steve Smith did not get selected for the final playing XI. Speaking of the match, Aaron Finch won the toss and choose to bowl first.
Fans blame Cricket Australia for not picking Steve Smith after their batting collapse against the Kiwis
The Kiwi batters looked in great form as they scored 200 runs for three wickets in 20 overs. Devon Conway was the star of the show as he scored 92* runs off 58 balls. He smashed seven fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 158.62. Along with him, Finn Allen and Jimmy Neesham also came up with big scores. Neesham scored 26* runs off 13 balls, including two sixes. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood took two wickets in his four overs. In reply, skipper Aaron Finch and David Warner came out to open the inning.
But, Australian batters looked clueless as they got bundled out for 111 runs in just 17.1 overs. No batters managed to cross the 30-run mark while chasing the huge target of 201 runs. For the Kiwis, Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner took three wickets each. New Zealand managed to win the match by 89 runs. But, fans looked absolutely angry with the Australian team and cricket board. They started to blame them for not picking Steve Smith after their batters collapsed miserably. Some fans also stated that the team really needs a batter like Steve Smith who can stable the innings by being at one end.
Here is how fans have reacted to the Australian Board for not picking Steve Smith against New Zealand:
"Steve Smith ko bulao koi" Australia thrashed by England #ICCT20WC #T20WorldCup #T20worldcup22 #T20WorldCup2022 #AUSvNZ #SteveSmith
— Snehasis Mukherjee (@snehasi86570371) October 22, 2022
STEVE SMITH:
— Haider (@WaraichHaider) October 22, 2022
When will we come out from friendship, liking & disliking culture. Allah always helps the honest
Cameron Green
Ustaad G, don't be this much honest #T20WorldCup
No Steve Smith no party
— P O I S O N (@Vettelfan007) October 22, 2022
Australia is having so much of powerhitters but no one is there to save the team from collapse.
— Shafin🗡️🦁💥 (@Shafin2104) October 22, 2022
They have one of the best player to do that role in the bench, must have played him.
Steve Smith.👑🛐#AUSvNZ
By far Australia's worst T20 performance in a long time: bowling was poor & batting was mediocre. No Aussie batsman looked comfortable on a track where New Zealand got 200 & no one looked capable of rebuilding after a collapse. They need Steve Smith. #AUSvNZ #AUSvsNZ #T20worldcup pic.twitter.com/Mr0fmLhmod
— Kanishka Raj Singh (@Kanishka183) October 22, 2022
Mighty Aussies 🤣🤣🤣
— Harshit patel (@Harshit67575077) October 22, 2022
Crumbled like deck of cards... Bring on Steve Smith, who could anchor the inning and rotate strikes. Bah! Kiwis got the better of Kangaroos #AUSvNZ #T20worldcup22
But But ... Steve Smith is the problem for us una 🤡🤡
— Cric Bug (@Smithian_again) October 22, 2022
slog/hit their way out of trouble, and were found wanting! In my Australian Cricket Team (generically speaking), there is always room for a Steve Smith! Whether he would have helped Australia tonight, probably not, but it indicates the selection of their squad was flawed! ...
— Ryan Eckford (@RyanEckford) October 22, 2022
No Steve smith worked out very well for Australia. Just the kind of player they needed today.#T20WorldCup
— Sumaiya Siddiqui (@_Sumaiyaaaaa) October 22, 2022