Fans go berserk as Steve Smith’s historic century drives Sixers past Thunder in Sydney derby at BBL|15

Jan 16, 2026

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Fans go berserk as Steve Smith's historic century drives Sydney Sixers past Thunder in BBL15

The Sydney Derby has always been the crown jewel of the Big Bash League, but the 37th match of BBL|15 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 16, 2026, transcended regular season rivalry. In a high-stakes encounter that felt more like a grand final, the Sydney Sixers pulled off a breathtaking five-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder, chasing down a formidable 190-run target with 16 balls to spare. While the night began with David Warner’s vintage brilliance, it ended with the SCG faithful in a state of delirium, witnessing a career-defining masterpiece from the legendary Steve Smith.

Steve Smith slams landmark century against Sydney Thunder in BBL|15

Chasing 190 is never a walk in the park, even on a batting-friendly SCG surface, but Smith turned the pursuit into a personal highlight reel. Opening the innings alongside Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Smith looked switched on from the first delivery. The pair dismantled the Thunder’s opening attack, racing to 50 runs within the first four overs. Smith reached his own half-century in just 23 balls, punishing anything short or wide with his trademark idiosyncratic flicks and audacious lofted drives.

The momentum shifted from steady to historic during the middle overs. Smith’s synergy with Babar (47 off 39) provided the perfect platform, as the duo shared a 141-run opening stand. However, it was Smith’s appetite for the big stage that stole the show. He treated 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 the fastest and most dominant centuries in BBL history. Although he was eventually stumped by Sam Billings off Tanveer Sangha for exactly 100, the damage was irreparable. His 238.09 strike rate left the Thunder fielders shell-shocked and the fans in the stands roaring in approval.

Sixers emerge victorious against Thunder in Sydney derby

Earlier in the evening, the Sydney Thunder’s innings was a tale of one man’s defiance against a disciplined Sixers’ bowling unit. Warner carried his bat through the 20 overs, scoring a magnificent 110 off 65 balls. Despite losing Matthew Gilkes and Sam Billings early, Warner anchored the innings, utilizing the Power Surge to propel the Thunder to 189/6. Sam Curran was the pick of the bowlers for the Sixers, claiming 3/28 and executing a brilliant triple-wicket 20th over that prevented the Thunder from crossing the 200-run threshold—a factor that proved decisive.

The Sixers’ chase, while headlined by Smith, did face a momentary wobble. After Smith and Babar departed in quick succession, the Thunder sensed a narrow window of opportunity. Nathan McAndrew (2/34) removed Josh Philippe for 12, and Chris Green trapped Moises Henriques LBW to trigger a minor collapse of 5/28. However, the depth of the Sixers’ roster shone through. Jack Edwards (17* off 8) and Lachlan Shaw (13* off 7) stayed composed under pressure, finding the boundary with ease to close out the game in just 17.2 overs.

Also READ: Fans go crazy as David Warner hammers his 2nd century for Sydney Thunder in BBL|15

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Ahmed Hussain pulls off a screamer to dismiss Thomas Rew in U19 World Cup 2026

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

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