In a match that will be remembered for its class and dominance, Steve Smith gave a masterful performance for the Sydney Sixers against him 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 game started in difficult conditions for the Sixers, with the ball holding onto the field, leading to a slow start. The Sixers managed just 19 runs on the power play, marking their lowest power play total of the season. However, as the innings progressed, conditions seemed to favor Smith, who took the opportunity to showcase his batting prowess.
A crucial turning point: Steve Smith’s lucky escape
Smith, who joined the team for this game, replacing James VinceHe began cautiously. Their entrances were not without moments of nervousness; They gave him a life on the 31st when Cooper Connolly he dropped a catch back. This moment proved to be pivotal as Smith, known for his stamina and technique, made the Scorchers pay for this error in judgement.
A century to remember: standing ovation at the SCG
As the innings progressed, Smith’s mastery of the conditions became evident. He gradually shifted gears, combining elegant strokeplay with powerful six-hitters, leaving the Scorchers’ bowling attack gasping for answers. His score rose rapidly and he was soon celebrating his century, a moment that was greeted with a standing ovation from the SCG crowd, a testament to his popularity and skill at this venue.
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Sixers reach huge total thanks to Smith’s heroics
His innings were characterized by a mix of patience and aggression. Smith’s century was not just about brute force; it was a display of cricketing intelligence, adapting to the behavior of the field and then exploiting it. The knock included a significant number of boundaries and sixes, showcasing his ability to change the pace of the game once established. Riding on their brilliant ton, the Sixers managed to post a massive total of 220/3 in 20 overs with Smith remaining unbeaten on 121.
This is how the fans reacted:
100 FOR STEVE SMITH!
This is his third BBL hundred, and he has done it with 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 will never see anything better than that 🤯
222 is our highest total to date 👏👏👏
It’s time to defend! pic.twitter.com/xk6hYcze6b
– Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith is a really good T20 opener these days… #bigbash
—Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 11, 2025
An Australian summer is incomplete without Steve Smith scoring a hundred at the SCG ❤
– JustMy Thoughts (@shaibal_27) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith targets the 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 Scoring: 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 third Big Bash Ton in the last 7 innings. pic.twitter.com/PWSEvM9Uuz
— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith in BBL from 2022/23:
36, 101, 125*, 66, 18, 61, 0, 121*.
Entries – 8
Races – 528
Average – 88.0
Strike rate: 173.11
Six – 33– RIDICULOUS STEVE SMITH NUMBERS..!!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/wS6uEbFjjX
– Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 11, 2025
Almost 40,000 people have come to the SCG just to watch his incomparable batting. He has delivered for them all again! When Steve Smith isn’t playing in the league, all the crowds disappear. When he comes; They come naturally! STEVE SMITH is the brand! pic.twitter.com/8ms0cnQKmN
— Error Cric (@Smithian_here) January 11, 2025
We tend to forget how much of a force Steve Smith was in the IPL for a few years in the last decade. I always had the kind of T20 skills needed to finish games on a high. Is there still a chance of playing the T20 World Cup in India next year? #BBL14
—Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 11, 2025
SCG rises pic.twitter.com/A5GkKaF8hW
– blacksmith (@stevesmith50) January 11, 2025
💯 for steve smith on BBL#SteveSmith#cricket pic.twitter.com/aDkurGUjJn
-Haris (@___5764HRS) January 11, 2025
Possible Steve Smith could be too good for the BBL #BBL14
—Tim Michell (@tim_michell) January 11, 2025