'That is Superman': Steve Smith stuns cricket world with 'astonishing' act
Australia may not have won the second T20 against South Africa, but Steve Smith certainly provided the highlight of the match.
South Africa came back from the brink to level the series against Australia, snatching a 12-run win in a breathless finish in Port Elizabeth.
‘WHAT A CHOKE’: Aussies suffer embarrassing collapse to lose second T20
Chasing 159 to win at St George's Park, Australia were cruising at 2-124 but fell victim to a brilliant bowling and fielding performance from South Africa at the death.
With David Warner (67no) anchoring one end, Alex Carey, Mitch Marsh and Matthew Wade all fell in quick succession, leaving Australia needing 17 off the final over.
The tourists' hopes faded when Anrich Nortje knocked over Ashton Agar's off stump, sending the capacity crowd into raptures and levelling the series at 1-1.
Warner and Steve Smith (29) combined for a 50-partnership before du Plessis snared a superb low catch at long on to dismiss Smith off the bowling of Dwaine Pretorius.
Smith also delivered a moment of magic in the field.
Proteas skipper de Kock had already cleared the rope three times when he thumped an Adam Zampa delivery over deep midwicket, only for Smith to launch himself over the rope and throw the ball back before landing to save the six.
“That’s superman ... that is absolutely unbelievable Steve Smith,” one TV commentator said.
“So many would just give that up because they’ve literally got no chance. If anything, you’ve got one per cent chance. That is out of this world.”
Another commentator added: “It’s astonishing. Absolutely astonishing.”
That from Steve Smith could be one of the greatest pieces of fielding ever seen. #SAvAUS
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) February 23, 2020
Incredible piece of fielding there from Steve Smith saves a six.
— Ben Horne (@BenHorne8) February 23, 2020
Steve Smith the outfielder saved nine runs from two mighty leaps that innings. Both blasts were on their way for six until he intervened. Probably the difference in dragging South Africa back under par. #SAvAUS
— Sam Landsberger 🗯 (@SamLandsberger) February 23, 2020
Smith almost did it again to dismiss Miller off the final ball of the innings but spilled the juggling effort when he tripped over the boundary rope.
Proteas fight back after first T20 drubbing
It was a comeback for the ages after the Proteas were humiliated in Johannesburg, bowled out for just 89 in a record 107-run defeat.
The series-decider will be played in Cape Town on Wednesday night (Thursday morning AEDT).
Quinton de Kock (70 off 47 balls) was the hero with the bat in Port Elizabeth but it was in the field where South Africa were truly redeemed.
Faf du Plessis and David Miller combined for an outrageous relay catch on the boundary to see off Mitch Marsh, while quicks Lungi Ngidi (3-41), Nortje and Kagiso Rabada all delivered inspired performances in the final overs.
Australia gambled on promoting Carey to No.4, backing his batting against spin with crafty left-arm tweaker Tabraiz Shamsi controlling the tempo.
Carey was bowled by Ngidi for 14 and neither Marsh nor Wade made it past single figures.
"Sitting back there now, I think the players will feel it's a missed opportunity to win the series away from home, which is always a huge accomplishment," assistant coach Andrew McDonald said.
"Now we've got our work cut out, a short turnaround to Cape Town and prepare as best we can to perform well there."
with AAP
