Kai Smith’s match-winning century in Warwickshire’s One Day Cup quarter final against Worcestershire has been voted the Bears best performance of 2024.
The wicketkeeper batter put on a boundary hitting masterclass as his unbeaten 130 (104 balls) saw Warwickshire recover from 77/5 to grab a stunning victory.
His debut century as a professional polled more than 55 per cent of the vote among Bears’ social media followers.
And on Friday night Smith – who signed a two-year contract ahead of the 2024 season – collected his richly-deserved trophy at the Club’s end of season awards.
He described the innings as “surreal” and that he played with the freedom of “a kid playing in his backyard”.
And the 19-year-old – who comes from a devout Christian family – said his faith helped him handle the pressure of the moment.
“It’s hard to put into words what happened,” he said. “I’m still thinking about it to this day, and it’s something I’ll cherish forever.
“It’s something you always dream about so for it to come true on a big stage like Edgbaston, against your local rivals in a must-win game, was very special.
“When I came in to bat the game felt gone. I had nothing to lose. Me and Rhodesy talked about having fun and expressing ourselves. Almost like having a net, just the two of us, to take our minds off the target which looked daunting.
“It felt like we were kids playing in the backyard which sometimes we forget to do because we put too much pressure on ourselves. Playing with a smile on our faces and enjoying it.
“I actually remember in that moment saying a little prayer. It felt like my like my faith got me through. I remember praying for strength, calmness and clarity to get us over the line.”
Smith – who’s played 23 List A games for Warwickshire and averages 35.00 – finished the run chase in style hitting four-six-four to chase down the 287 target with an over to spare.
And he recalls being inundated with messages from friends and family following his batting heroics.
“There was a short boundary so I knew they were going to try and push me towards the other side,” he added. “I stood wider in my crease, and deep, in case they went for the yorker so I could get my bat underneath it, and if they missed a length get it over for six.
“I shuffled across onto off stump for last six, almost looking to sweep it, but it was a good length and got it over square. I think we needed three to win from the last ball of the over and luckily I got a full toss and picked the gap in front of Cow Corner for four.
“In the dressing room, all the lads were awesome. And it was nice to have my family over as well to see it. It was a special family moment.
“The next couple of days I was still on a high. I remember my phone going ballistic, message after message, I thought it was broken at one stage.
“It’s lovely that our fans and members enjoyed the innings as much as I did and to win Performance of the Year is amazing. Thanks so much.”
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