NEW DELHI: Australia’s Steve Smith on Saturday matched the Big Bash League (BBL) record for most centuries, achieving the feat in the Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers clash in Sydney.
The 35-year-old showcased his mastery, scoring a sizzling unbeaten 121 runs off just 64 balls that included ten fours and seven sixes.
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Smith’s powerful performance led the Sixers to a commanding total of 222 for 3 during which he reached his century in just 58 deliveries.
This was Smith’s fourth T20 century overall and third in the BBL. He now shares the record for most centuries in the tournament with Ben McDermott.
Smith has achieved the milestone in just 32 BBL innings, significantly fewer than McDermott’s 100 matches.
The match was also Smith’s first appearance in the current BBL season. He joined the Sixers after contributing significantly to Australia’s 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory against India.
Saturday’s performance enhanced Smith’s already impressive T20 record. His first T20 century was in the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for Rising Pune Supergiants, he scored a 54-ball 101 against Gujarat Lions.
Despite his T20 success, Smith has not participated in the IPL since 2021. He went unsold in the 2024 IPL mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Smith’s availability for the Sixers in this BBL season is restricted due to his national team commitments. He is scheduled to play only two more BBL games, on January 15 and 17.
Following these matches, he will captain Australia in their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on January 29. Smith’s absence from the BBL playoffs, which commence on January 21, will be a substantial loss for the Sixers.
