Steve Smith vs Virat Kohli in World Cup Knockouts

[Mian]

Kohli is still waiting for his first fifty in a World Cup Knockout match after playing 5 matches while Steve Smith already scored 2 fifties and a century in 3 Knockouts he played in his first World Cup 2015.

Kohli 70 runs in 5 matches

Smith 226 runs in 3 matches

Smith scores:

Quarter-Final vs Pak: 65

Semi-Final vs India: 105

Final vs NZ: 56*

Now thats what you call a pressure player!

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Unpopular opinion but for me Smith and Williamson are the 2 greatest batsmen of this generation. Kohli and Root are a tad below.

In pressure situations and bowling friendly conditions i will definitely pick Smith and Kane over Kohli and Root.

 

[Mian]

If i am not wrong Kohli got a single digit score against BD in QF of WC2015?

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Kane really battled it out, Bumrah and Bhuvi bowled better than Boult & the other guy. Kane 67 yesterday was probably one of the best under pressure knocks this tournament. He deserves the player of the tournament award.

 

[Dead Ball]

Even hardcore Indian and Kohli fans won't deny that he has been a massive failure in WC knockouts.

He has a couple of opportunities to make up for it (2023 and maybe 2027 WC) but if he doesn't step up he won't be top 3 ODI batsman of all time for me. He can score how many ever centuries in bilaterals I don't care.

He is not an Amla level failure in WCs which he showed this WC. But in knockouts he has been rubbish. The stage was set for him to do something special today.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Let's see how Smith does in this WC. His ODI record outside Australia is not good (he's been pretty bad in this WC). KOs are crucial but lets not put other WC matches under the rug.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Even hardcore Indian and Kohli fans won't deny that he has been a massive failure in WC knockouts.

He has a couple of opportunities to make up for it (2023 and maybe 2027 WC) but if he doesn't step up he won't be top 3 ODI batsman of all time for me. He can score how many ever centuries in bilaterals I don't care.

He is not an Amla level failure in WCs which he showed this WC. But in knockouts he has been rubbish. The stage was set for him to do something special today.

The only reason NZ are in final of this WC is because of Willy.

 

[Dead Ball]

Unpopular opinion but for me Smith and Williamson are the 2 greatest batsmen of this generation. Kohli and Root are a tad below.

In pressure situations and bowling friendly conditions i will definitely pick Smith and Kane over Kohli and Root.

Kohli has bottled it in ODI knockouts no doubt but he is still top 5 ODI batsman for me. A knockoht 100 would make him number 1.

If WC knockout performance was the sole criteria that I could name 40 ODI bowlers better than Waqar...

 

[Dead Ball]

The only reason NZ are in final of this WC is because of Willy.

True.

He has been exceptional in this WC. Man of the tournament for me if he scores big in finals too.

 

[Mian]

The only reason NZ are in final of this WC is because of Willy.

I just hope he finally lift the trophy and doesn't end his career like Martin Crowe

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Kohli has bottled it in ODI knockouts no doubt but he is still top 5 ODI batsman for me. A knockoht 100 would make him number 1.

If WC knockout performance was the sole criteria that I could name 40 ODI bowlers better than Waqar...

I am not just talking due to this WC. Have seen enough of them to make this opinion. Even Pujara is a better test batsman than Kohli in their test team and his centuries have led India to series victories like vs Australia, vs Sri Lanka and vs Australia at home 3 major tough series victories India had while Kohli frequently goes missing in clutch situations or either his centuries arent match winning. This is just a small example.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

I just hope he finally lift the trophy and doesn't end his career like Martin Crowe

Brendon Mcculum will be jealous if Kane wins it.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

I just hope he finally lift the trophy and doesn't end his career like Martin Crowe

He deserves it more than anyone. He is arguably the sweetest player that has ever played the game of cricket. Extremely humble, down to earth and a true fighter.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

True.

He has been exceptional in this WC. Man of the tournament for me if he scores big in finals too.

Luck was on his team's side too as they won 3 matches v.difficultly in group stages but once again he deserves all the luck coming his way.

 

[Mian]

He deserves it more than anyone. He is arguably the sweetest player that has ever played the game of cricket. Extremely humble, down to earth and a true fighter.

True i have never seen a more clam and humble cricketer after winning a match like today. Check Kane expressions after the last wicket today

 

[Dead Ball]

I am not just talking due to this WC. Have seen enough of them to make this opinion. Even Pujara is a better test batsman than Kohli in their test team and his centuries have led India to series victories like vs Australia, vs Sri Lanka and vs Australia at home 3 major tough series victories India had while Kohli frequently goes missing in clutch situations or either his centuries arent match winning. This is just a small example.

You have a point. He has 4-5 years of his career at top level cricket left at least. Let's hope he can turn up more often. From what I know of him, he is a terrific learner. Loved the way he came back against England.

Hope for Indias sake he can rectify this side of his performances too.

 

[Leeon1994]

We will know now also in Eng vs Aus

 

[Mian]

We will know now.

Even if Smith fails tomorrow he already proved his worth in 3 KO matches with 1 century and 2 fifties and lifting the trophy while Kohli is still waiting for a fifty after 3 world cups and 5 KO matches.

 

[Hasan123]

I’ll still back Smith to score in a semi or final in this tournament.

 

[shailee]

Kohli deserves all the criticism for his poor performances in knockouts but if only knockouts performance matter than even Pant and Pandya have more runs than Kohli.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Smith over Kohli in a knockout, I would pick Williamson over both.

 

[Sam99]

Smith is past his prime. Aus will have to look for his replacement soon.

 

[Aman]

Brendon Mcculum will be jealous if Kane wins it.

McCullum would be happy for Kane and it all started with McCullum.

 

[Mian]

Smith playing his 4th knockout match and not even dismissed once without scoring a 50! Kohli can only imagine playing knockout innings like Steve the real man of crisis

1 century and 3 fifties in 4 wc knockout matches what a player!

Imagine your team at 14/3 in a Semi Final and building an innings from there.

Smith >>>>>>> Kohli & The Rest in Knockouts

 

[Ram Shekhar]

Not even a debate. Kohli can score a million more runs but he failed in the most important match of his career. He will be remembered for that: Kohli lbw Boult

 

[WebGuru]

Not even a debate. Kohli can score a million more runs but he failed in the most important match of his career. He will be remembered for that: Kohli lbw Boult

V Kohli: c Shadab Khan b Mohammad Amir (CT17 Final)

V Kohli: lbw b Boult (WC19 Semi Final)

These 2 matches will haunt Kohli for a long time because he was India's best batsman and captain in both matches and he failed.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Unpopular opinion but for me Smith and Williamson are the 2 greatest batsmen of this generation. Kohli and Root are a tad below.

In pressure situations and bowling friendly conditions i will definitely pick Smith and Kane over Kohli and Root.

Smith again proving it.

 

[Mobashir]

Smith is simply the best batsman of his generation.

 

[Ram Shekhar]

V Kohli: c Shadab Khan b Mohammad Amir (CT17 Final)

V Kohli: lbw b Boult (WC19 Semi Final)

These 2 matches will haunt Kohli for a long time because he was India's best batsman and captain in both matches and he failed.

True but the CT final will be brought up because it was against Pakistan. Much more is at stake in world cup knockout matches. This will hurt for a long time.

 

[Mian]

Smith is simply the best batsman of his generation.

His career shows how hard work is always better then talent. He was selected as a leg spinner!

 

[Mr.Q]

Unpopular opinion but for me Smith and Williamson are the 2 greatest batsmen of this generation. Kohli and Root are a tad below.

In pressure situations and bowling friendly conditions i will definitely pick Smith and Kane over Kohli and Root.

That’s like saying Dravid is better than Sachin. He’s still the most skillful batsman on the planet after ABD. Natural stroke players will often find it difficult when the conditions are really bad for batting. That flow which makes them so great to watch will be hampered. Smith and Williamson are not natural stroke players. I can understand your ignorance in this regard because you probably never really had such players play for your country. So for a fan of ‘dry batting’ style, Williamson and Smith might appear more appealing.


[MENTION=142451]Mian[/MENTION] There’s no point in comparing Kohli and Smith in WC knockouts at the moment. Even if Smith scores a 30 he’ll be better because Kohli failed completely in the KO. The intent behind this thread is very questionable. It’s very clear what you’re trying to do.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

That’s like saying Dravid is better than Sachin. He’s still the most skillful batsman on the planet after ABD. Natural stroke players will often find it difficult when the conditions are really bad for batting. That flow which makes them so great to watch will be hampered. Smith and Williamson are not natural stroke players. I can understand your ignorance in this regard because you probably never really had such players play for your country. So for a fan of ‘dry batting’ style, Williamson and Smith might appear more appealing.

There’s no point in comparing Kohli and Smith in WC knockouts at the moment. Even if Smith scores a 30 he’ll be better because Kohli failed completely in the KO. The intent behind this thread is very questionable.

Stopped reading when you said Wiliamson is not a natural strokemaker. Salute to your cricketing sense.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

That’s like saying Dravid is better than Sachin. He’s still the most skillful batsman on the planet after ABD. Natural stroke players will often find it difficult when the conditions are really bad for batting. That flow which makes them so great to watch will be hampered. Smith and Williamson are not natural stroke players. I can understand your ignorance in this regard because you probably never really had such players play for your country. So for a fan of ‘dry batting’ style, Williamson and Smith might appear more appealing.


[MENTION=142451]Mian[/MENTION] There’s no point in comparing Kohli and Smith in WC knockouts at the moment. Even if Smith scores a 30 he’ll be better because Kohli failed completely in the KO. The intent behind this thread is very questionable. It’s very clear what you’re trying to do.

Surprised to see you throwing jibes bhai.

I guess emotions.

To respond to your post, where was Kohli's flow in sf 2015 and ct 2017 on batting beauties.

 

[WebGuru]

Williamson is not a natural stroke player

Really?

 

[Mr.Q]

Stopped reading when you said Wiliamson is not a natural strokemaker. Salute to your cricketing sense.

He doesn’t have that flow Kohli or Abd or Rohit has. He’s a very good timer of the ball. But that’s different from being a natural stroke maker. Don’t need your certificate but just making my point clear.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

He doesn’t have that flow Kohli or Abd or Rohit has. He’s a very good timer of the ball. But that’s different from being a natural stroke maker. Don’t need your certificate but just making my point clear.

Lol you havent seen enough of Williamson. Thanks for the laugh.

 

[Mr.Q]

Surprised to see you throwing jibes bhai.

I guess emotions.

To respond to your post, where was Kohli's flow in sf 2015 and ct 2017 on batting beauties.

No man. Not defending Kohli’s performances at all. But saying things like Kohli is a level below Williamson is stupidity. In my book Kohli’s biggest failure was that one in 2015. That was pathetic.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

No man. Not defending Kohli’s performances at all. But saying things like Kohli is a level below Williamson is stupidity. In my book Kohli’s biggest failure was that one in 2015. That was pathetic.

Fair enough.

But he said a tad below. Not a level below.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Kohli has to learn how to be an ugly survivor instead of sublime choker. That stroke was simply not on. He had to take risk to pierce that gap as they had this funky placement.

 

[Thomaskutty]

The pressure has definitely been getting to Kohli in the recent knockouts. Williamson and Smith look like Steve Waugh out there in these type of games.

 

[PakFan764]

Well...
One has scored four consecutive half centuries in knockout matches and the other has a high score of 40 odd in knockout matches.
It doesn't take a genius to know who's a better clutch player.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Scores in World Cup knockout matches:<br><br>Virat Kohli - 24, 9, 35, 3, 1, 1.<br>Steve Smith - 65, 105, 56*, 85.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1149302764599762945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Good innings today, could've been better though. Was a tad too slow even after 50. Not sure if it's enough for Australia to cross the line.

 

[Mobashir]

He doesn’t have that flow Kohli or Abd or Rohit has. He’s a very good timer of the ball. But that’s different from being a natural stroke maker. Don’t need your certificate but just making my point clear.

Kohli is closer to Williamson than ABDV as far as stroke play is concerned.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Good innings today, could've been better though. Was a tad too slow even after 50. Not sure if it's enough for Australia to cross the line.

He had the full permission to go slow as nobody else seemed to survive long enough. Not that he can be explosive. He and KW are similar in a lot of ways.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Kohli is closer to Williamson than ABDV as far as stroke play is concerned.

Kohli used to be on par with ABD back in 2012-2013. Now he's nothing special in anything really.

 

[Hawkeye]

Smith
Babar Azam
Williamson

These have performed in crunch, knockout-type matches.

Don't degrade Kohli though, he's also a beast. Just have to click in an ICC knockout-type game.

 

[Tiger96]

Kohli used to be on par with ABD back in 2012-2013. Now he's nothing special in anything really.

Kohli never had that 5th gear of AB De Villiers.

AB has a beast mode, only Indian Batsman closer to him in that respect is Rohit Sharma.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Missed a hundred today.

He may be the most clutch batsman of all time, remarkable consistency in world cup knockouts and in tests overall.

 

[ManFan]

You can praise Smith without criticizing Kohli but as far as KO’s are concerned, the numbers speak for themselves.

Smith is a mental madman; not everyday a half-assed leg-spinner turns into the worlds top ranked Test batsman.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Kohli never had that 5th gear of AB De Villiers.

AB has a beast mode, only Indian Batsman closer to him in that respect is Rohit Sharma.

Kohli indeed had gears in 2013, he scored a 50 ball 100 against Australia. That Kohli is long gone though, it's understandable people don't remember it.

 

[captain.hansolo]

Kohli is still waiting for his first fifty in a World Cup Knockout match after playing 5 matches while Steve Smith already scored 2 fifties and a century in 3 Knockouts he played in his first World Cup 2015.

Kohli 70 runs in 5 matches

Smith 226 runs in 3 matches

Smith scores:

Quarter-Final vs Pak: 65

Semi-Final vs India: 105

Final vs NZ: 56*

Now thats what you call a pressure player!

lol this is such a terrible analysis.

you want to draw conclusions on a sample size of less than 10?

statistically there is absolutely no data here for any conclusions whatsoever. moreover, such micro analysis when performed on a subset of a subset (specific matches deemed knockout over games that are not knockout) are up to the subjectivity of the analyzer. Any statistician would deem this complete hogwash!

consider this: what is the criteria for considering a game a knockout? is it just a semifinal or a final? what about a league game which is a must win? or a round robin where a team must win x number of games on a trot in order to qualify to the next stage? would not each of those x games qualify as 'knockouts'? but then again, why those games specifically? why not the games prior to them where a loss may upset the calculus of qualification so aggressively that it may as well be considered a knockout?

i give absolutely no credence to this analysis (if we can even deem it that) of yours.

 

[captain.hansolo]

Kohli indeed had gears in 2013, he scored a 50 ball 100 against Australia. That Kohli is long gone though, it's understandable people don't remember it.

true story bro.

 

[big_gamer007]

I think Smith is a better batsman than Kohli. Kohli is overrated because of his bilaterals record. Australians don't take bilateral ODI's as seriously but when the real tournament starts they show their full potential.

Smith is a better player overall than Kohli. I have realised that now.

 

[big_gamer007]

Smith is simply the best batsman of his generation.

Agreed

 

[Dead Ball]

Smith not only has a better knockout record than Kohli but also the likes of Tendulkar.

What a player.

 

[Rellu_Katta]

smith is a great... he is easily no1 in tests with Kane no2 Kholi 3 and root 4....

in ODI ... Kholi is easily no1 with smith no2 and kane 3... root i think is no 8/9 in ODI.. For me Babar is no4, very very closing edging out Rohit Sharma who gets no5 .

 

[jnaveen1980]

Kohli has this batting flaw in his game that is exploited in these knockouts. Unless he fixes this issue against left arm seamer bringing the ball back in he will have issues against htem.

 

[jnaveen1980]

CT final left armer Amir
WC semi 2015 left armer Johnson
WC semi 2019 left armer Boult

This is a pattern we cannot ignore.

 

[WebGuru]

Missed a hundred today.

He may be the most clutch batsman of all time, remarkable consistency in world cup knockouts and in tests overall.

Smith not only has a better knockout record than Kohli but also the likes of Tendulkar.

What a player.

He was on his way to become the only player with 2 centuries in Semi Finals

 

[Technics 1210]

True but the CT final will be brought up because it was against Pakistan. Much more is at stake in world cup knockout matches. This will hurt for a long time.

Leave it out, Kohli was out in 2 consecutive balls in the CT17, against Pakistan is just a bonus!

 

[tyron_woodley]

smith>>>>>>>>> kohli. kohli is overrated. great player but not a match winner when it matters.

 

[The Viper]

Batting at 3 certainly favors Smith. Today's situation was perfect for him. Would have gotten a ton if not for Starc.

 

[MP2011]

Good innings today, could've been better though. Was a tad too slow even after 50. Not sure if it's enough for Australia to cross the line.

Well, his innings yesterday meant zilch in the grand scheme of things, Australia still got pummeled. Smith just delayed the inevitable.

 

[shailee]

smith>>>>>>>>> kohli. kohli is overrated. great player but not a match winner when it matters.

Yeah Smith won the match yesterday.

 

[MP2011]

Yeah Smith won the match yesterday.

lol, true. Australia still got manhandled, so much so for it being a match winning knock!

Make no mistake, all those who are singing paeans of Smith will still choose Kohli as the first man in their team.

 

[tyron_woodley]

lol, true. Australia still got manhandled, so much so for it being a match winning knock!

Make no mistake, all those who are singing paeans of Smith will still choose Kohli as the first man in their team.

yes lol. I will choose kohli over smith but ponting is the GOAT. ponting > kohli. no doubt.

 

[GenericBrand]

Aussie ATGs always perform in WC KOs, its part of the criteria.

 

[sweep_shot]

Smith wins this one comfortably. Kohli generally is a bilateral bully.

 

[big_gamer007]

lol, true. Australia still got manhandled, so much so for it being a match winning knock!

Make no mistake, all those who are singing paeans of Smith will still choose Kohli as the first man in their team.

Actually no.
In tests I would chose Smith.
In ODI tournaments I will chose Smith.
In T20 and ODI bilaterals I will chose Kohli.

Kohli is a great player no doubt but media and corporate brands portray him as GOAT for their own reasons.(money).

 

[satheesh]

irrespective of what has happend/would happen in this world cup , Kohli is still the best batsman of the FAB 4 as of now. It is in comparisons with the likes of Viv,SRT,Ponting,ABDV,Lara etc etc he would be finding it hard to compete with w.r.t 'being better over all'

 

[Joseph Gomes]

yes lol. I will choose kohli over smith but ponting is the GOAT. ponting > kohli. no doubt.

Ponting was a beast in all formats in the 2000s. What a player he was, I am lucky to see him play. Makes me sad today's kids won't know about Ponting's legendary stuff, he was a shadow of his former self after 2008.

 

[barah_admi]

Unpopular opinion but for me Smith and Williamson are the 2 greatest batsmen of this generation. Kohli and Root are a tad below.

In pressure situations and bowling friendly conditions i will definitely pick Smith and Kane over Kohli and Root.

It is unpopular but I would agree with some of the Williamson assessment. I think he is the best test batsman of this decade. In all formats I'd rate kohli higher and I'd actually rate root higher than Smith too.

But this tournament, Williamson and babar have been the best all situation batsmen.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Playing a great knock here once again!!

 

[Bhaijaan]

21* from 46

He’s absorbing all the pressure for Australia

 

[FearlessRoar]

Smith is not the same in white ball cricket as he used to be in 2015.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Smith is not the same in white ball cricket as he used to be in 2015.

Still winning knock outs for this team

 

[pillionrider]

Steve Smith getting ready to put to rest questions of whatifs about Wahab Riaz's spell vs Watson.

Would a rising Steve Smith have anyway taken the team home back then

 

[pillionrider]

The whatifs will continue

Pathetic shot. Kohli would never have done that in this situation.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Smith gone

Brainfade moment in the end