Steve Smith displays first century Big Bash to take Sydney Sixers top of… – The Cricketer

Smith hit 101 from 56 at Coffs Harbor to record just his second T20 century, nearly seven years after his first – for Pune Supergiants in the Indian Premier League

Coffs Harbour: Sydney Sixers 203-5, Adelaide Strikers 144 – Sydney Sixers won by 59 points

Scorecard

Steve Smith shattered a first century Big Bash as the Sydney Sixers dealt another blow to the Adelaide Strikers’ post-season hopes.

Smith hit 101 from 56 at Coffs Harbor to register only his second T20 century, nearly seven years after his first – for Pune Supergiants in the Indian Premier League.

In doing so, he laid the foundation for the Sixers to climb back to the top of the BBL12 standings, hitting five fours and seven sixes – including one that took him to triple figures.

^{Steve Smith reached a century as Sydney Sixers beat Adelaide Strikers [Getty Images]}

^{The Sixers beat the Strikers by 59 points [Getty Images]}

Smith was responsible for nearly half of the Sixers’ runs and ensured the Strikers would have too much to do in pursuit.

He was backed into a partnership at second wicket worth 149 from 14.5 overs by Kurtis Patterson (43), while Jordan Silk clicked 31 from 16 deliveries on the death.

Four Adelaide bowlers went to 11 runs per over or worse, with only Cameron Boyce (1-25 in four overs) within eight.

In response, the Strikers – minus their batting talisman Chris Lynn – never really seemed to get the total back.

^{Sydney Sixers returned to the top of the Big Bash standings with victory [Getty Images]}

^{Adelaide Strikers could struggle to qualify for the Round of 16 [Getty Images]}

Matt Short continued his excellent form at the top of the order with a speedy 40, and Alex Carey reached half a century, but the latter saw his partners come and go like commuters in a cafe, and no other batsman. Adelaide only reached double figures. .

Ben Dwarshuis returned the choice of bowling figures, with 3 for 28 from four overs, including the two critical wickets of Carey and Travis Head, while Todd Murphy claimed 3 for 35.

The Sixers are a point clear of the Perth Scorchers at the top, with Perth set to face the Hobart Hurricanes on Wednesday January 18.

The fate of the Strikers is in their hands, meanwhile. They sit fourth, but only lead Hobart and Sydney Thunder in net run rate. The Hurricanes have two games in hand against Adelaide, while Thunder have one more to play.

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