In the clash between city rivals Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunders, Australia star Steve Smith smacked his second consecutive ton in the ongoing BBL season at the SCG on Saturday (January 21).
Previously, Smith had touched the three-figure mark against Adelaide Strikers, helping the Sixers register a 59-run victory.
Smith opened the batting for the Sixers and scored a storming 125 off 66 deliveries to power his team to a total of 187/2 in the rain reduced 19 over game. In his innings, Smith smashed five fours and nine gigantic sixes. Moises Henriques (45) also contributed to the team’s total. Meanwhile, Gurinder Sandu was the only bowler to pick wickets for Thunder.
Smith raced to his hundred with a massive six at long-on off Usman Qadir. The fans at the stadium stood up on their feet to applaud the 33-year-old’s exploits, while Sixer’s skipper Henriques at the non-striker end, celebrated by clapping his bat.
Here’s the video:
Second-straight century brought up with a SIX!
STEVEN SMITH 🔥 #GoldenMoment @BKTtires | #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/FbTnLIMXIO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 21, 2023
Smith and Henriques built a massive 155-run partnership for the third wicket.
In reply to Sixers’ daunting total, Thunder struggled at the start of their innings, as they lost six wickets with just 40 runs on the scoreboard, and were eventually bundled out for 66 in 14.4 overs.
David Warner (16) and Joel Davies (10) were the only batters for Thunder to score in double-digits. Steve O’Keefe bagged four wickets for the Sixers to hold the Thunder’s back and gave just ten runs in the three overs he bowled.
Apart from OKeefe, Sean Abbott (3/11) and Ben Dwarshuis (2/14) also contributed to the Sixers’ victory. Smith was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his unbeaten knock.
This heavy defeat of 125 runs will surely hamper Thunder’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs as they are now behind the top three teams in the points table in terms of net run rate.