Star Australian batter Steve Smith put on a masterclass for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) on Saturday, January 11. Facing the Perth Scorchers at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, the 35-year-old smashed a scintillating century, scoring 121 off just 64 balls. Opening the innings, Smith’s knock included 10 fours and 7 sixes, showcasing his dominance.
He formed crucial partnerships, adding 113 runs for the third wicket with skipper Moises Henriques (46 off 28) and an unbeaten 58-run stand with Ben Dwarshuis (23 off 7). Their efforts powered the Sixers to a commanding total of 220/3 in 20 overs. Smith’s century marked a historic milestone, making him the second player in BBL history to score three centuries.
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Fellow Australian batter Ben McDermott, who represents the Hobart Hurricanes, is the only other player to achieve this feat. Smith’s first BBL century came on January 17, 2023, against the Adelaide Strikers, where he scored 101 off 56 balls, including 5 fours and 7 sixes. His second century followed shortly after, on January 21, 2023, against the Sydney Thunder, where he remained unbeaten on 125 off 66 balls, hitting 5 fours and 9 sixes.
Most Centuries in Big Bash League History
- Steve Smith (Sydney Sixers): 3
- Ben McDermott (Hobart Hurricanes): 3
- Aaron Finch, D’Arcy Short, Glenn Maxwell, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Luke Wright: 2 each
Steve Smith is something else 😲
Here’s all the highlights from his 121* off 64 balls. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/MTo82oWAv1
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 11, 2025
Smith’s remarkable innings highlight his ability to dominate in T20 cricket even at the age of 35. His exploits come as Chris Lynn remains the all-time leading run-scorer in BBL history with 3908 runs in 126 matches. Aaron Finch follows with 3311 runs in 107 matches.
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The highest individual score in the tournament’s history belongs to Glenn Maxwell, who blasted an unbeaten 154 off 64 balls for the Melbourne Stars against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 19, 2022. Smith’s third BBL century solidifies his status as a powerhouse in T20 cricket and a pivotal figure for the Sydney Sixers. With performances like this, Smith continues to elevate the competition’s standards and set benchmarks for excellence.
