A young and bowler, Nathan Smith is a right-arm medium fast bowler and a capable lower order batsman. Part of New Zealand's Under-19 World Cup squad for the 2016 edition of the tournament, Smith performed creditably throughout the tournament and finished with seven wickets - emerging as his team's highest wicket-taker. The reward for Smith came in the form of a first-class debut for Otago soon after his return from the prestigious tournament. The transition from junior cricket to the senior level of the game hasn't been easy for the youngster, but Otago kept faith in him and offered him a fresh contract ahead of the 2018-19 season. Consistent performances in the domestic circuit earned him a call-up to the senior side. With most of the regulars being rested, Nathan Smith got his debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka in October, 2024. A month later, he got his Test debut as well - at home against England.