Steve Smith lit up the Sydney Cricket Ground with a sensational display of power-hitting in the BBL 2025–26, producing one of the most destructive innings in the tournament’s history during the Sydney Derby between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on Friday, January 16. Leading from the front, the Sixers captain blasted a joint second-fastest century in BBL history, reaching the landmark in just 41 balls, a feat previously achieved by Brisbane Heat’s Josh Brown in 2024.
Only Craig Simmons and Mitchell Owen, who both struck hundreds off 39 balls, remain ahead on the elite list. However, Smith ensured the night belonged entirely to him with an innings marked by authority, precision and brute force. One of the most jaw-dropping moments came early in the innings when he dismantled Nathan McAndrew, clearing his front leg to send the ball soaring 107 metres over mid-wicket, drawing loud cheers from a packed SCG.
Smith eventually scored 100 off 42 deliveries, smashing five boundaries and nine towering sixes before leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha finally halted the onslaught. In the process, Smith also registered the fastest century ever by a Sydney Sixers batter, surpassing his own previous record of a 56-ball hundred against the Thunder in 2023.
The carnage peaked in the 12th over when Smith took Ryan Hadley apart for a record 32 runs, the most expensive over in BBL history. The over featured a sequence of breathtaking strokes, including multiple sixes, a free-hit boundary and a classy cover drive, showcasing Smith’s flawless balance, footwork and range.
Chasing a target of 190, the Sixers rode Smith’s blistering knock to a commanding five-wicket victory, sealing the chase with 16 balls to spare. Smith had earlier brought up his half-century off just 23 balls, setting the tempo for the pursuit. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed 47, while Lachlan Shaw and Jack Edwards added valuable finishing touches.
For the Thunder, David Warner’s superb 110 off 65 balls proved futile as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Despite brief contributions from Nic Maddinson and Sam Billings, the lack of sustained partnerships hurt their cause, with Warner’s century ultimately overshadowed by Smith’s extraordinary night of dominance.
