Poonam Nath

Twice ODI WC winner Steve Smith announces retirement from ODIs after Australia quashed out of Semis

Digital Desk: A big name to be missed from the cricket world, Aussie skipper Steve Smith declared his retirement from one-day internationals after Australia failed to reach the Champions Trophy final in 2025.

The Australians were eliminated on Tuesday, March 4, after losing to India's Rohit Sharma by four wickets in the semi-finals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The great Steve Smith has called time on a superb ODI career ???? pic.twitter.com/jsKDmVSG1h

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 5, 2025

Smith scored 73 runs off 96 balls to help Australia set a target of 265, which India chased down with 11 balls remaining in their innings. Smith said he felt honored to have won two ODI World Cups for Australia (2015 and 2023) throughout his brilliant career.

During the press release, emotional Smith stated, "a great ride and I have loved every minute, There have been so many incredible experiences and beautiful memories. Winning two World Cups, as well as the many amazing teammates I had along the way, was a huge highlight."

Talking about achievements, Steve Smith has won the Australian Men's ODI Player of the Year award in both 2015 and 2021, as well as a position on the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year in 2015.

Smith stated that Test cricket remained a 'priority' for him, and he discussed the significance of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June, as well as other important duties.

After playing 170 ODIs, Smith scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 35 half-centuries and 12 hundreds. At an average of 34.67, he has also claimed 28 wickets.

"It feels like the right time to make way because there is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup," Smith added.