Steve Smith taking a beauty in MLC 2026 (Source: Screengrab from MLC's X handle)
Along with his batting greatness, Steve Smith has always been regarded as one of the best fielders of his generation. In fact, fans often compare him to his countryman, Ricky Ponting, who has a similar style in scoring runs for fun and being spectacular on the field.
And his fielding prowess was visible once again on Thursday when Washington Freedom were up against Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in Match 16 of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at Knight Riders Cricket Field, Pomona.
Vintage Steve Smith Proves Class Never Ages
It was the 11th over of LAKR’s innings when Ben Dwarshuis, who was with Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, came to bowl Colin Munro. Batting on 25 off 31 balls, Munro tried to clear mid-off, only to see a flying Steve Smith dive full length to his left to grab an absolutely spectacular catch.
Smith is now 37 years old, and he has made plenty of iconic catches in the past, all due to his individual brilliance. And the Washington Freedom captain just told the world that he was not done yet.
Also Read: 5 Sixes In 6 Balls! Marcus Stoinis Haunts Steve Smith With Brutal MLC Onslaught
In total, Steve Smith took three catches against LAKR, who could only manage to post 108 before losing all 10 wickets within 17.5 overs.
How Many Catches Has Steve Smith Taken In International Cricket?
Steve Smith has taken 215 catches in Tests, 90 in ODIs, and 41 in T20Is for Australia. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played for four IPL teams – Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals – Smith picked up 53 catches in 103 matches.
He has always had a sharp hand, and his recent MLC heroics just proves the uncanny ability to react whenever there is a chance is still there.
Smith Not Having Good Time With Bat
Even though Smith is anchoring the innings against LAKR, he has not had a great time in the past in MLC 2026. He had scores of 24, 27, 1, 30, and 3 before this fixture, failing to live up to expectations after what he did in Pakistan during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026.
At the time of typing, Smith is batting on 38* off 42 balls, which has only had three fours. Nevertheless, given that the target was only 109, the situation demanded that he play steadily rather than go bonkers.
Washington Freedom On The Way To Register 3rd Win
Under Smith, the Washington Freedom are having a mixed campaign so far. They began with a five-wicket defeat to Seattle Orcas, followed by a victory over MI New York.
After that, Seattle Orcas cruised past them again with an 88-run win, but Smith and his boys came back against Texas Super Kings with a nail-biting victory.
Once again, San Francisco Unicorns made sure they won’t have a two-match winning streak in MLC 2026. And now, against LAKR, they are on the cusp of winning again.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Achieves What Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma Couldn't In IND Vs ENG T20Is
