In his Big Bash League (BBL) return match against Perth Scorchers on Saturday, January 11, Steve Smith, who plays for the Sydney Sixers, hit one of his best runs in the shortest format, smashing a century off 58 balls. His incredible stroke play captivated the fans at the storied Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Sydney Sixers lost their opener, Josh Philippe, early after the Perth Scorchers won the toss and chose to bowl first. Despite struggling in the first part of his innings, Smith, his fellow opener, persevered in the middle of his innings rather than giving up his wicket. As a result of this adjustment, the former captain of Australia began to middle a lot more deliveries.
Moises Henriques, the captain, joined Smith in the middle in the eighth over after Kurtis Patterson left for 12. They put together a partnership of 113 off 57 balls, with Smith carrying the majority of the work. Following Henriques’ departure for a 46 off 28 balls in the 17th over, Sydney moved Ben Dwarshuis up the order. The versatile player hit an undefeated 23 off seven balls. That being said, the hometown hero stole the show.
After cutting a shot bowled wide of off-stump from Jhye Richardson for a single in the 19th over, Steve Smith achieved his third BBL century off just 58 balls.
For the Scorchers, Jason Behrendorff was assigned to bowl the final over. He was under a lot of strain, though, as Smith hit the first two balls out of the park. Although the right-handed batter was unable to connect off the third ball, he hit the next one for a six. In their 20 overs, Sydney finished at 220/3, with 22 runs coming off the final over. Smith hit 121 from 64 balls to finish undefeated, hitting seven sixes and ten fours.
In re reply, Perth’s Ashton Turner scored 66 not out off 32 balls, but they ultimately finished 14 runs short of Sydney’s total. The best bowler was Sean Abbott, who finished with figures of 4/43 in four overs.
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