Australia superstar Steve Smith on Tuesday became the first player to score a century for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL). Playing his second match of the BBL season 12, Smith smashed Adelaide Strikers’ bowling unit to all parts of the ground.
The 33-year-old hit five fours and seven sixes during his stay in the middle.
Not often you get the chance to catch a Steve Smith six in Coffs Harbour! 🙌#BBL12 pic.twitter.com/pP3tMz1ltf
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 17, 2023
Smith shared a 149-run partnership with Kurtis Patterson (43) for the second wicket to set a platform for the Sixers. Their partnership is also the highest of this BBL season, allowing the Sixers to recover from the early blow of Joshua Philippe (1) after being put in to bat by the Strikers.
With a six over deep backward square leg, Smith broke Philippe’s record of highest score by a Sixers batter (99). However, he got run out in a bizarre fashion soon after completing his century.
Smith walked back to the dugout after playing a scintillating knock of 101 in just 56 deliveries.
Steve Smith, what a way to bring up your maiden #BBL ton! 💥#BBL12 | @BKTtires | #GoldenMoment pic.twitter.com/iFOesNfeIJ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2023
The Sixers eventually posted a mammoth total of 203/5 in their stipulated overs. Jordan Silk remained unbeaten on 31 after facing 16 balls.
In reply, the Strikers were bowled out for 144 in 19 overs. Matthew Short (40 off 24) and Alex Carey (54 off 35) were the only batters to cross the ten-figure mark. For the Sixers, Todd Murphy and Ben Dwarshuis bagged three wickets each, while Steve OKeefe claimed two scalps.
Sixers feeling pretty good after that one! 😎 #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/OzDxRojtfY
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 17, 2023
For his brilliant display of batting, Smith was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’, and his team has now moved to the top spot in the points table.
