Watch: Steve Smith plucks a stunner to send Watling packing

Australian skipper Steve Smith had a perfect day at work today. His overall heroics in the first ODI against New Zealand saw the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series. The Aussie skipper had a dream day as he single-handedly paraded the Australian batting to a mammoth total. Australia eventually ended comfortably winning the match by 68 runs. The highlight of the match was Smith’s knock.

But another moment that grabbed all eyeballs was when Steve Smith plucked a blinder to send BJ Watling back to the pavilion. The kind of effort that he showed was spectacular and his dedication level on the field was beyond comparable. New Zealand were set a stiff target of 324 to get. They seemed to be doing just about decently with Martin Guptill leading the fightback.

The main highlight sprung in the 25th over of the game. New Zealand were sitting at 140/3 in 24.2 overs. Mitchell Marsh bowled an absolute wide delivery to BJ Watling. The ball, that was short and wide, never ever deserved a wicket. Watling slashed hard at it. Steve Smith, at backward point, took very little time to dive to his left. As Smith dived, he flew across with an outstretched left hand.

The ball stuck to his hands and Smith fell down in full motion. His face hit the turf hard but that did not affect the determined skipper as he held on to the ball. An absolutely breathtaking catch was on display for the fans. Watling had to depart on 6 following the stunner by Steve Smith.

Earlier in the day, Australia were rocked back early in the innings as Aaron Finch was dismissed on the first ball of the match. Steve Smith strolled down to bat. He scored a magnificent 164 off just 157 balls with 14 fours and 4 sixes to help Australia post 324 on the board. He was well supported by Matthew Wade and Travis Head during the knock.

Watch: Steve Smith plucks a stunner to send Watling packing: