In a game that will be remembered for his team spirit and dominance, Steve Smith gave a masterclass project to a Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers in Match 30 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. Smith, known for his love for the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), produced an innings that not only delighted the home crowd but also added his name to the history of the BBL.
A tough start for the Sydney Sixers
The game began with the Sixers having trouble with the ball on the court, which led to a sluggish start. The Sixers managed just 19 runs in the Powerplay, marking their lowest power play of the season. However, as the innings progressed, things seemed to favor Smith, who used the opportunity to showcase his batting skills.
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Smith, who was brought to the side of the game, instead James Vinceit started cautiously. The installation was not without its nervous moments; He was given life on the 31st Cooper Connolly he dropped back. The moment became crucial as Smith, known for his bravery and skill, made the Scorchers pay for this lapse in judgement.
Centenary memories: Standing at the SCG
As the innings progressed, Smith's ability in these conditions became apparent. He slowly shifted gears, combining some brilliant batting with a powerful six, leaving the Scorchers' bowling team bereft of answers. His results grew rapidly, and before long, he was celebrating his centenary, a moment that was met with a standing ovation from the SCG crowd, a testament to his popularity and skill at this venue.
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The Sixers send a mammoth total because of Smith's heroics
His innings was a mix of patience and brutality. The Smith years were not only brutal; it was a display of cricketing wisdom, taking the quality of the pitch and then exploiting it. The knock includes a number of boundaries and sixes, showing his ability to change the tempo of the game when it settles down. Riding on his impressive ton, the Sixers managed to post 220/3 in 20 overs with Smith not out on 121.
Here's how fans responded:
100 FOR STEVE SMITH!
That is his third BBL hundred, and he has made this one in just 58 balls 👏 #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/K6iqJ7HmYN
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 11, 2025
THE RETURN OF STEVE SMITH TO THE SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gQXlCdP0TC
— John. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2025
You won't see anything better than that 🤯
222 is our total number 👏👏👏
Time to protect! pic.twitter.com/xk6hYcze6b
– Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith is a good T20 opener these days… #big
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 11, 2025
An Australian summer isn't complete without Steve Smith scoring a hundred at the SCG ❤
– JustMyThoughts (@shaibal_27) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith looks at the same area with two different shots. pic.twitter.com/sTXUZi8Ygw
– Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith's ton takes Sydney Sixers to 220
LIVE Score: https://t.co/bcoTBSEYDa#cricket #SSvPS #SteveSmith #BBL14 #BBL #T20 pic.twitter.com/DnSxOQrMDq
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith 💯
This is the 3rd Big Bash Ton in the last 7 innings. pic.twitter.com/PWSEvM9Uuz
– 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith in BBL from 2022/23:
36, 101, 125*, 66, 18, 61, 0, 121*.
Results – 8
Height – 528
Average – 88.0
Hit rate – 173.11
Six – 33– STEVE SMITH'S NUMBERS..!!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/wS6uEbFjjX
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 11, 2025
Around 40,000 people have flocked to the SCG just to witness his incomparable batting. He has also given it to all! When Steve Smith doesn't play in the league a lot of people miss him. When he comes; they come naturally! STEVE SMITH is the brand! pic.twitter.com/8ms0cnQKmN
– Cric Bug (@Smithian_pano) January 11, 2025
We tend to forget what a force Steve Smith was in the IPL for several years in the last decade. He always had the T20 skills needed to finish a game from the top. Any chance of the T20 World Cup in India next year? #BBL14
– Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 11, 2025
SCG stands up pic.twitter.com/A5GkKaF8hW
— smithy (@stevesmith50) January 11, 2025
💯 about steve smith in BBL#SteveSmith#cricket pic.twitter.com/aDkurGUjJn
– Harris (@___5764HRS) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith could be the best for the BBL #BBL14
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) January 11, 2025