The Sydney Derby has at all times been the crown jewel of the Big Bash League, however the thirty seventh match of BBL|15 on the Sydney Cricket Floor on January 16, 2026, transcended common season rivalry. In a high-stakes encounter that felt extra like a grand ultimate, the Sydney Sixers pulled off a wide ranging five-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder, chasing down a formidable 190-run goal with 16 balls to spare. Whereas the night time started with David Warner’s classic brilliance, it ended with the SCG trustworthy in a state of delirium, witnessing a career-defining masterpiece from the legendary Steve Smith.
Steve Smith slams landmark century in opposition to Sydney Thunder in BBL|15
Chasing 190 is rarely a stroll within the park, even on a batting-friendly SCG floor, however Smith turned the pursuit into a private spotlight reel. Opening the innings alongside Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Smith seemed switched on from the primary supply. The pair dismantled the Thunder’s opening assault, racing to 50 runs throughout the first 4 overs. Smith reached his personal half-century in simply 23 balls, punishing something brief or huge along with his trademark idiosyncratic flicks and audacious lofted drives.
The momentum shifted from regular to historic throughout the center overs. Smith’s synergy with Babar (47 off 39) offered the right platform, because the duo shared a 141-run opening stand. Nevertheless, it was Smith’s urge for food for the large stage that stole the present. He handled the Thunder bowlers with utter disdain, smashing 9 towering sixes and 6 boundaries. He reached the triple-figure mark off a mere 41 deliveries, marking one of many quickest and most dominant centuries in BBL historical past. Though he was ultimately stumped by Sam Billings off Tanveer Sangha for precisely 100, the harm was irreparable. His 238.09 strike charge left the Thunder fielders shell-shocked and the followers within the stands roaring in approval.
Sixers emerge victorious in opposition to Thunder in Sydney derby
Earlier within the night, the Sydney Thunder’s innings was a story of 1 man’s defiance in opposition to a disciplined Sixers’ bowling unit. Warner carried his bat by the 20 overs, scoring an impressive 110 off 65 balls. Regardless of dropping Matthew Gilkes and Sam Billings early, Warner anchored the innings, using the Energy Surge to propel the Thunder to 189/6. Sam Curran was the choose of the bowlers for the Sixers, claiming 3/28 and executing a superb triple-wicket twentieth over that prevented the Thunder from crossing the 200-run threshold—an element that proved decisive.
The Sixers’ chase, whereas headlined by Smith, did face a momentary wobble. After Smith and Babar departed in fast succession, the Thunder sensed a slim window of alternative. Nathan McAndrew (2/34) eliminated Josh Philippe for 12, and Chris Inexperienced trapped Moises Henriques LBW to set off a minor collapse of 5/28. Nevertheless, the depth of the Sixers’ roster shone by. Jack Edwards (17* off 8) and Lachlan Shaw (13* off 7) stayed composed underneath stress, discovering the boundary with ease to shut out the sport in simply 17.2 overs.
Additionally READ: Fans go crazy as David Warner hammers his 2nd century for Sydney Thunder in BBL|15
Right here’s how followers reacted:
🚨 STEVE SMITH SMASHED HUNDRED FROM JUST 41 BALLS IN BIG BASH 🚨
– In a should win sport for Sixers, Smith has performed one of many most interesting innings ever in BBL Historical past. pic.twitter.com/ITAfqrfDT9
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 16, 2026
🚨 Century for Steve Smith simply 41 Balls vs Thunder With 190 in Chased 🤯🔥
– Century within the BBL ✅️
– All-time most BBL a whole lot ✅️Steve Smith in legacy mode. Constructed totally different. 👑#SteveSmith #BBL2026 #BBL15pic.twitter.com/izpCw07jVS
— Cricket भक्त 💛 (@CricBhakt7380) January 16, 2026
It at all times feels bizarre to see Steve smith not getting picked by any ipl crew. His gameplay is just like Virat. When gamers like Virat, Rutu, Sai Sudarshan can play ipl with Rotating strike mindset then Why not Smith. His Putting is healthier than above talked about gamers. https://t.co/WUfGOcQfYK
— Ashwin (@Ashwin8876432) January 16, 2026
STEVE SMITH HITS 100 RUNS IN 42 BALLS 🥶🤯 pic.twitter.com/FPjI2Idq1g
— Keshav Roy (@KeshavRoy7101) January 16, 2026
STEVE SMITH HAS MOST HUNDREDS IN BIG BASH HISTORY 🤯🔥#BBL2026 pic.twitter.com/yjuLuYgk4H
— Devaraj_janasena_ (@_devaraj_pspk) January 16, 2026
THE WHOLE SCG GIVING STANDING OVATION TO STEVE SMITH. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rg6YueSr4v
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 16, 2026
HISTORY BY STEVE SMITH 👑
STEVE SMITH HAS MOST HUNDREDS IN BIG BASH HISTORY 🤯🔥#bbl #BBLLeague #SteveSmith #australiacricket pic.twitter.com/gRYh9ReaBT
— SHiBiN SeBaSTiaN (@SHiBiNLeO7) January 16, 2026
Steve Smith in T20s during the last 3 to 4 years is pure development. Labored on his power-game, realized new gears, accepted change and tailored to modern-day cricket with out dropping his core sport. Reveals that even nice gamers survive by evolving, not by staying comfy. https://t.co/Bgg4FP7FfB
— Rehan Mazhar (@rehanch_xxiii) January 16, 2026
Think about Steve Smith returning to the IPL subsequent yr as an opener — after what we’ve seen at the moment and in his current knocks, everybody is aware of what he can do. Fearless, adaptable, and damaging when wanted. Any franchise could be fortunate to have him; he really deserves an IPL comeback. pic.twitter.com/7gbGnYJQTc
— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7) January 16, 2026
Sydney Sixers chase down 190 in simply 17.2 overs to defeat the Thunder by 5 wickets 🌟#BBL15 #SydneySixers pic.twitter.com/jp8u74i55N
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 16, 2026
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