Australian star Steve Smith became just the fourth cricketer to score a hundred.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL) when he crossed the three-figure mark for the first time in BBL history on Tuesday.
Before Smith, David Warner, Chris Gayle and Shane Watson had achieved the feat in both T20 leagues. Smith, who played for Australia in the home series against South Africa, was acquired by the Sydney Sixers for $250K and has proven to be a valuable investment for the team.
The former Australian captain, who plays for Sydney Sixers in the premier T20 league, scored a fiery century off 56 balls against Adelaide Strikers at Coffs Harbour’s International Sports Stadium. It was Smith’s highest score in the BBL, as well as the first century by a Sixers player in BBL history. Smith hit seven sixes and five fours on his way to 101 off 56 balls.
Smith forged a 149-run stand for the second wicket as the Sixers posted 203 for the loss of five wickets, batting first in the allotted 20 overs. It was the fourth-highest total in league history for the Sydney-based club. Batting at 95, the right-handed batter hit a sweep shot against Ben Manenti that sailed over the fence for a perfect game. Despite Alex Carey’s impressive 54 off 35 balls, the Strikers could only muster 9/144 in response.
The Sixers have reclaimed first place on the BBL points table, leapfrogging their premiership rivals, the Perth Scorchers, who they defeated only two days ago. Smith’s 101 included seven maximums and five boundaries, with Kurtis Patterson playing an important role.