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Smith makes history with sensational SCG century

Aussie captain courageous Steve Smith has smashed the highest-ever ODI score at the SCG, rescuing his side after a sluggish start against New Zealand.

Australia were 4-92 after 20 overs on Sunday before Smith's masterful innings helped them reach a formidable total of 8-324.

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Smith blasted 164 off 157 deliveries, including 14 fours and four sixes, bettering the previous record of 162 by A.B de Villiers at the 2015 World Cup.

"It was nice to get a big score on my home ground," Smith said. "It's a great place to play."

What a knock! Image: Getty
What a knock! Image: Getty

He was finally dismissed in the 48th over when he hit one straight up in the air, Colin Munro taking a difficult catch at mid-wicket.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson would have been kicking himself after failing to review an appeal when Smith was hit on the pads by Boult while on 14.

He was given not out lbw but it would have likely been overturned on review.

It was the fourth highest one-day score by an Australian on home soil, the seventh highest ODI score by an Australian and was the best 50-over innings of his career.

It was also the equal highest total by an Australian captain in an ODI, standing alongside Ricky Ponting's innings in a memorable loss to South Africa at the Wanderers in 2006.

Of the 76 centuries by Australian batsman in all forms of the game over the past three years, Smith has been responsible for 21 of them.

Not content with the incredible batting display, Smith backed it up in the field with a sensational catch as the Aussies went on to win by 68 runs.

with AAP