Steve Smith Shines in BBL with 107-Metre Six, Ties Second-Fastest Century
In a thrilling encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 16, 2026, Steve Smith showcased his remarkable batting skills in the Big Bash League (BBL). He not only tied for the second-fastest century in the league’s history but also shattered records with a stunning display against the Sydney Thunder.
Historic Performance by Steve Smith
Smith, the captain of the Sydney Sixers, achieved his century in just 41 balls. This feat matched the record previously set by Josh Brown in 2024. Only Craig Simmons and Mitchell Owen, who scored centuries in 39 balls, hold a superior record. However, Smith made his innings memorable with sheer dominance.
A Colossal Six and Other Highlights
One of the night’s key moments came when Smith hit a colossal 107-metre six off Nathan McAndrew in the fourth over. He showcased exceptional footwork and timing throughout his innings, eventually scoring 100 runs off 42 balls, including five fours and nine sixes. His performance marked the fastest century by a Sixers batter, surpassing his own record of 56 balls in 2023.
Record-Breaking 12th Over
In an extraordinary 12th over, Smith scored 32 runs against bowler Ryan Hadley. This marked the most expensive over in BBL history. He began with a six, followed by two additional sixes, a four, and concluded with a well-timed cover drive for two runs.
Match Summary: Sixers vs. Thunder
The Sydney Sixers chased down a target of 190 runs, securing a victory by 5 wickets. Smith’s innings set the tone for the chase, as he reached his fifty in just 23 balls. Key contributions also came from Babar Azam, who scored 47 runs, and late innings efforts from Lachlan Shaw and Jack Edwards helped seal the win with 16 balls remaining.
Thunder’s Struggles
Despite a valiant effort from David Warner, who scored 110 runs off 65 balls, the Thunder fell short. Their innings lacked partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals. Nic Maddinson and Sam Billings provided some resistance, but ultimately it was not enough to match the Sixers’ performance.
Steve Smith’s incredible display not only dazzled fans but also reinforced his status as a leading player in the BBL. His ability to dominate the game, highlighted by his record-setting century, left a lasting impression on cricket enthusiasts everywhere.
