Steve Smith's Explosive Century Leads Sydney Sixers to Victory Over Thunder

In a thrilling BBL match, Steve Smith's explosive century led the Sydney Sixers to a crucial victory over the Sydney Thunder. Scoring 100 runs off just 42 balls, Smith's performance was pivotal in chasing down a target of 190 runs. His aggressive batting style, including four consecutive sixes in one over, left fans in awe. With this win, the Sixers keep their hopes alive for the knockout stage of the tournament. As they prepare for their next match against the Brisbane Heat, Smith's recent form has been a significant boost for the team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 20:03 IST

Smith's Stellar Performance in BBL Clash

In a thrilling encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 16, veteran Australian cricketer Steve Smith showcased his batting prowess, scoring a remarkable century that propelled the Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket victory against the Sydney Thunder in the BBL 2025/26 season. This win was vital for the Sixers as they aimed to secure a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Chasing a target of 190 runs set by the Thunder, the Sixers achieved their goal with 16 balls remaining, finishing the match in just 17.2 overs. Smith was the standout player, amassing 100 runs off 42 deliveries, which included 9 sixes and 5 fours, resulting in an impressive strike rate of 238.10. Babar Azam also played a significant role, contributing 47 runs from 39 balls.

Bowling Highlights

Earlier in the match, Sam Curran led the bowling attack for the Sixers, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs at an economy rate of 7.00, effectively limiting the Thunder to 189/6, despite David Warner's unbeaten century of 110 runs.

Smith's Dominance Under Pressure

Steve Smith has consistently proven to be a match-winner, and his performance against the Thunder was no exception. Opening the batting with Babar Azam, Smith propelled the Sixers to 50 runs in just four overs during the powerplay. While Smith anchored the innings, Azam supported him by rotating the strike and maintaining momentum.

In a remarkable display, Smith scored 32 runs in a single over, hitting four consecutive sixes, showcasing his aggressive style of play. He reached his half-century in the ninth over and completed his century in just 41 balls, marking the fastest century by a Sydney Sixers player in BBL history.

Fans React to Smith's Performance

Smith's explosive innings sparked excitement among fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, with many praising his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate the game. Comments flooded in, highlighting his evolution as a T20 player and his fearless approach to batting.

Fans expressed admiration for Smith's ability to shift gears quickly, noting his recent Test century followed by this remarkable T20 performance. His innings was described as a masterclass, demonstrating his skill and composure under pressure.

Looking Ahead

Since joining the Sydney Sixers after the Ashes series, where Australia triumphed over England 4-1, Smith has made a significant impact in the BBL, scoring 119 runs at an average of 119.00 and a strike rate of 205.17 across two matches. The Sixers currently sit in fourth place on the points table and must secure a win against the Brisbane Heat to advance to the knockout stage.