Steven Smith’s Masterclass: Unstoppable 121 Powers Sixers to Victory
Steven Smith showed everyone just how good he is in T20 cricket, smashing an amazing 121 not out and leading the Sydney Sixers to a 14-run victory over the Perth Scorchers. His brilliant knock came off just 64 balls and included seven massive sixes, leaving a packed SCG crowd of 31,165 in awe.
The Sixers ended their innings at 220 for 3, their highest total in the BBL. Sean Abbott then stepped up with the ball, taking 4 for 43 and helping the Sixers stay second on the ladder, almost locking in their spot in the finals.
Even though the Scorchers fought hard, hitting some big shots, this game belonged to Smith. His century was his third in the BBL, putting him level with Ben McDermott for the most centuries in the tournament’s history. Smith has achieved this in just 32 matches, while McDermott took 100 games.
Globally, Smith is better known for his incredible Test cricket skills. However, in T20 cricket, he’s often overlooked. The 35-year-old hasn’t played a T20 International for Australia since February last year. He wasn’t picked for the last T20 World Cup and hasn’t been chosen in recent IPL auctions. But in the BBL, Smith continues to shine, scoring three centuries in his past seven matches.
Smith’s last 95 runs in this game came off just 40 balls. He and the Sixers started slowly, reaching only 24 for 1 after five overs, but then Smith turned up the heat. He targeted the SCG’s short boundary and punished any loose balls from the Scorchers’ bowlers.
Smith hit some stunning shots, including two switch-hit sixes and a perfect flick off his pads that sailed into the crowd. His best shot of the day came when he hit a wide ball from AJ Tye over backward point for six.
Unfortunately for the Scorchers, their bowlers had a tough day. AJ Tye went for 62 runs in four overs, while Jhye Richardson gave away 51 runs, including 24 in one power-surge over where Smith and Moises Henriques dominated.
Even when it looked like Smith was out in the final over, a replay showed the fielder’s foot had touched the boundary rope, giving him yet another lifeline.
The Scorchers tried their best in reply, but Abbott’s double strike in the fourth over made things tough. Ashton Turner smashed 66 off 32 balls to keep their hopes alive, but they needed 23 runs in the final over, which was just too much.
In the end, the Sixers celebrated a fantastic win, and Smith reminded everyone why he’s one of the best in the game.
