Steve Smith reminded both Australian selectors and international franchises that he remains a dominant force in T20 cricket, delivering a match-winning knock for the Sydney Sixers in their thrilling Big Bash League (BBL) victory over the Perth Scorchers at the SCG.
A HISTORIC CENTURY
Smith produced one of the finest innings in BBL history, scoring an unbeaten 121 runs off just 64 balls. This remarkable performance propelled the Sixers to a commanding total of 3/220, a score that looked improbable earlier in the match when Perth seemed poised to limit them to around 140.
With this century, Smith joined Ben McDermott as the only player with three BBL centuries, despite having played far fewer matches. While McDermott has played 100 BBL games, Smith’s 32nd match on Saturday was only his third century in the competition, a testament to his elite T20 ability.
DOMINATING THE SCORCHERS
Smith’s innings was a masterclass in timing and placement. While Moises Henriques (46 off 28) played an important supporting role in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, it was Smith who stole the show. His unrelenting aggression took the Scorchers' bowlers apart, with AJ Tye the unfortunate recipient of 62 runs from his four overs.
Smith’s strokes ranged from classical shots to inventive switch-hits, with the 54-meter boundary toward the Bill O'Reilly Stand proving no challenge for his power. Despite some early struggles on a tricky pitch, Smith’s brilliance ensured the Sixers posted a total that would prove insurmountable for the Scorchers.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND LATE FLOURISH
The Scorchers’ fielding was far from perfect, and an early dropped catch off Smith's bat on 31 proved costly, with young Cooper Connolly failing to hold onto the chance. Smith soon reached his third BBL century off just 58 balls, before capping off his innings with three sixes in the final over. One of those sixes seemed to be a spectacular catch by the fielding side, but a foot on the boundary line ensured it counted as one of his seven maximums.
This scintillating performance sent a strong message to national selectors that Smith is far from being a spent force, despite limited opportunities with the Australian T20 team in recent years and no IPL interest since 2021.
ABBOTT SHINES WITH THE BALL AS SIXERS DOMINATE
While Smith's batting stole the limelight, Sean Abbott’s bowling performance was equally vital in securing the win. The Sixers’ leading wicket-taker, Abbott (4/43), was instrumental in the Scorchers’ collapse, dismissing key players, including Connolly for 33. He also had a chance at a hat-trick in his opening over, showcasing his skill and accuracy.
Despite a valiant late effort from Scorchers' captain Ashton Turner (66* off 32 balls), who gave his side a flicker of hope with 23 needed off the final over, Abbott’s tight bowling and the Sixers’ collective effort ensured they restricted Perth to 206, 14 runs shy of victory.
TOP OF THE TABLE
With the win, the Sixers moved level with the Hobart Hurricanes at the top of the BBL ladder, while the Scorchers’ hopes of making the finals are now in serious jeopardy. Perth must win their remaining two matches to have any chance of advancing to the playoffs.
This dominant all-around performance from the Sixers not only sent a statement about their title credentials but also highlighted Steve Smith’s continued relevance in the T20 format as he delivers with both bat and leadership.
