In a match that will be remembered for his sheer class and dominance, Steve Smith delivered a masterclass performance for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers in Match 30 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. Smith, known for his love affair with the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), orchestrated an innings that not only thrilled the home crowd but also etched his name further into BBL folklore.
A challenging start for the Sydney Sixers
The match began under challenging conditions for the Sixers with the ball gripping on the pitch, leading to a sluggish start. The Sixers managed only 19 runs in the powerplay, marking their lowest powerplay total of the season. However, as the innings progressed, the conditions seemed to favor Smith, who capitalized on the opportunity to showcase his batting prowess.
A crucial turning point: Steve Smith’s lucky escape
Smith, who was brought into the side for this game, replacing James Vince, started cautiously. His innings was not without its nervous moments; he was given a life on 31 when Cooper Connolly dropped a return catch. This moment turned out to be pivotal as Smith, known for his resilience and technique, went on to make the Scorchers pay for this error in judgement.
A century to remember: Standing ovation at SCG
As the innings wore on, Smith’s mastery over the conditions became evident. He gradually shifted gears, combining elegant strokeplay with powerful six-hitting, leaving the Scorchers’ bowling attack gasping for answers. His score escalated rapidly, and soon, he was celebrating his century, 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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Sixers post mammoth total thanks to Smith’s heroics
His innings was characterized by a blend of patience and aggression. Smith’s century was not just about brute force; it was a display of cricketing intelligence, adapting to the pitch’s behavior and then exploiting it. The knock included a significant number of boundaries and sixes, showcasing his ability to change the game’s tempo once settled. Riding on his brilliant ton, Sixers managed to post a massive total of 220/3 in 20 overs with Smith remaining unbeaten on 121.
Here is how fans reacted:
100 FOR STEVE SMITH!
That’s his third BBL hundred, and he’s done this one off just 58 balls 👏 #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/K6iqJ7HmYN
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 11, 2025
A STANDING OVATION FOR STEVE SMITH AT SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gQXlCdP0TC
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2025
You’ll never see anything better than that 🤯
222 is our highest ever total 👏👏👏
Time to defend! pic.twitter.com/xk6hYcze6b
— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith is a seriously good T20 opener these days … #bigbash
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 11, 2025
An Australian summer is incomplete without Steve Smith scoring a hundred at SCG ❤
— JustMyThoughts (@shaibal_27) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith targeting same area with two different shots. pic.twitter.com/sTXUZi8Ygw
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith’s ton takes Sydney Sixers total 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 last 7 innings. pic.twitter.com/PWSEvM9Uuz
— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith in BBL since 2022/23:
36, 101, 125*, 66, 18, 61, 0, 121*.
Innings – 8
Runs – 528
Average – 88.0
Strike rate – 173.11
Sixes – 33– RIDICULOUS NUMBERS BY STEVE SMITH..!!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/wS6uEbFjjX
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 11, 2025
Almost 40,000 people have come to SCG just to watch his unparalleled batting. He has delivered for them all again! When Steve Smith doesn’t play the league the crowds all disappear. When he comes; they naturally come! STEVE SMITH is the brand! pic.twitter.com/8ms0cnQKmN
— Cric Bug (@Smithian_here) January 11, 2025
We tend to forget what a force Steve Smith was in the IPL for a fair few years in the last decade. Always had the kind of T20 skills needed to finish games from the top. Still a chance for 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
💯 for steve smith in BBL#SteveSmith#cricket pic.twitter.com/aDkurGUjJn
— Haris (@___5764HRS) January 11, 2025
Possible Steve Smith might be too good for the BBL #BBL14
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) January 11, 2025