Video of the Day - Champions Trophy 2025: Steven Smith withdraws run-out appeal to keep spirit of cricket alive

Australia captain Steven Smith showed great signs of sportsman spirit in the clash against Afghanistan on Friday, February 28 in the Match 10 of the Champions Trophy 2025. Smith withdrew a run-out attempt made by Australia in the do-or-die fixture between the two sides, being played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The incident took place on the last ball of the 47th over of Afghanistan's innings, as Noor Ahmad stepped out of the crease after completing a run, thinking that the ball has been dead with the over being called off. However, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis took the advantage of this, and flicked off the bails making a successful run-out attempt, only for it to be withdrawn by the skipper Smith.

Although the run-out was well within the laws of cricket, Smith's intervention to withdraw the appeal came as a great sign of sportsmanship from the Australian team. One of the possible reasons that the captain decided not to go for the wicket was that Noor Ahmad had no intention to take a run when he stepped out of the popping crease.

Watch the moment here:

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Steve Smith has withdrawn his appeal for Noor Ahmad's run-out after the over ended (47th over) 📸: JioHotstar

05:54 PM · Feb 28, 2025

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Also Check: AFG vs AUS Live Score | Afghanistan vs Australia

Interestingly, Smith was a part of the Australian during a similar incident that took place in the 2023 season of The Ashes. The arch-rivals were facing off at Lord's and wicketkeeper Alex Carey had stumped Jonny Bairstow as he walked down the track without the ball being called dead by the on-field umpires. The controversial incident was criticized by many, and a whole new row followed as Australia's Usman Khawaja had to face misbehaviour from one of the members of the Lord's Long Room.