Steve Smith Smashes 42-Ball Century to Secure Historic Win for Sydney Sixers crush Sydney Thunder in a thrilling BBL encounter
The Sydney Derby has always been one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Big Bash League (BBL) calendar, but the Match 37 of the 2025-26 season at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will be remembered as one of the greatest spectacles in T20 history. In a star-studded encounter that featured a clash of Australian legends, Steve Smith stole the headlines with a breathtaking 42-ball century, securing a historic five-wicket victory for the Sydney Sixers.
David Warner Sets the Stage
The evening began with the Sydney Thunder winning the toss and electing to bat first on a pristine SCG surface. All eyes were on David Warner, who, leading the Thunder, produced a vintage masterclass. While wickets fell around him—including Matthew Gilkes (12) and Sam Konstas (6)—Warner remained unmovable.
He anchored the innings with precision before unleashing a flurry of boundaries in the death overs. Warner finished unbeaten on 110 off 65 balls, a knock decorated with 11 fours and 4 sixes, guiding the Thunder to a formidable total of 189/6. Nic Maddinson’s quickfire 26 off 16 provided much-needed support as the Thunder set what looked like a match-winning target.
The Smith and Babar Show
Chasing 190, the Sixers unveiled their dream opening partnership: Steve Smith and Pakistan’s Babar Azam. While Babar played the role of the elegant anchor, scoring 47 off 39, Smith took on the role of the aggressor from the very first ball.
Smith’s approach was nothing short of revolutionary. Known for his unorthodox technique, he dismantled the Thunder’s bowling attack with surgical precision. He reached his fifty in record time and didn’t slow down, targeting the short boundaries with ease. The partnership between Smith and Babar added 141 runs, completely shifting the momentum in favor of the Sixers.
The Record-Breaking Knock
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly Smith’s century. He reached the 100-run mark in just 42 deliveries, marking one of the fastest hundreds in BBL history. His innings was a blend of power and placement, featuring 9 towering sixes and 5 boundaries. By the time he was dismissed for exactly 100, the required run rate had plummeted, leaving the middle order with a simple task.
Despite a brief wobble where Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques, and Sam Curran fell cheaply, the foundation laid by Smith was too strong. Jack Edwards (17)* and Lachlan Shaw (13)* finished the job with 16 balls to spare, sealing a 5-wicket win that echoed around the cricketing world.
Match Scorecard: Sydney Thunder vs. Sydney Sixers
Sydney Thunder Innings (189/6)
| Player Name | Runs | Balls |
| Matthew Gilkes | 12 | 12 |
| David Warner (C) | 110* | 65 |
| Sam Konstas | 6 | 11 |
| Sam Billings (Wk) | 14 | 13 |
| Nic Maddinson | 26 | 16 |
| Chris Green | 0 | 1 |
| Daniel Sams | 10 | 4 |
Sydney Sixers Innings (191/5)
| Player Name | Runs | Balls |
| Babar Azam | 47 | 39 |
| Steve Smith | 100 | 42 |
| Josh Philippe (Wk) | 1 | 2 |
| Moises Henriques (C) | 6 | 4 |
| Sam Curran | 1 | 3 |
| Lachlan Shaw | 13 | 7 |
| Jack Edwards | 17 | 8 |
Steve Smith Smashes 42-Ball Century to Secure Historic Win for Sydney Sixers
This match wasn’t just about a win for the Sixers; it was a statement from Steve Smith. In an era where T20 cricket is dominated by “power hitters,” Smith proved that cricketing intelligence and versatility can still dominate the shortest format. For your fans at Sportzons.com, this innings stands as a testament to Smith’s enduring greatness and the Sixers’ dominance in the Sydney Derby.
Steve Smith’s BBL century highlights
This video showcases Steve Smith’s incredible hitting and the highlights of his record-breaking century that led the Sixers to victory.
Would you like me to write a tactical analysis of Steve Smith’s batting technique during this specific 42-ball century?
