Smith epic in vain
Cricinfo staff
27-Sep-2009
Graeme Smith played a valiant knock but was short of support from the rest • Getty Images
Graeme Smith's 141, his eighth ODI century, was a superlative effort but one that failed to prevent South Africa from experiencing yet another disappointing defeat in a home tournament.
In chase of a formidable 323 set by England, Smith set about anchoring the innings after the fall of his opening partner Herschelle Gibbs. He was short of support from the other end, but fought on, striking 16 fours in an epic innings. More was required of the middle order; AB de Villiers and JP Duminy got starts but didn't push on. When Mark Boucher was dismissed, with the run-rate creeping up, Smith was under immense pressure but he didn't succumb to it. Instead, he stepped it up, scoring boundaries with regularity and ensuring South Africa stayed in the hunt as long as he remained in the middle.
But running out of partners and being declined a runner amid serious weariness, Smith finally holed out trying to go for a big one and with his exit, South Africa's fate was sealed.