Smith & Warner hit tons as Sixers win Sydney derby
Steve Smith delivered a breathtaking batting masterclass, scoring a 42-ball century to guide the Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket victory over cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder in a thrilling Big Bash League encounter.
Smith, the former Australian captain, annihilated the Thunder bowling attack, smashing nine sixes in a spectacular innings. He forged a devastating 141-run opening partnership with Babar Azam (47 from 39 balls), effectively chasing down the Thunder's competitive total of 189-6 within the first 12 overs. At 141-0, the Sixers' chase seemed a mere formality.
The match, however, took a dramatic turn following Smith's dismissal immediately after reaching his fifth T20 ton. The Sixers suffered a startling collapse, losing five wickets for just 28 runs to slip to 169-5. This late stumble ignited faint hopes for the Thunder, anchored by David Warner's magnificent unbeaten 110 from 65 balls, which had earlier propelled his side to their total.
Those hopes were short-lived. The Sixers' lower order held their nerve, with Lachlan Shaw and Jack Edwards combining for an unbroken 22-run stand to seal the win with 2.4 overs to spare, Edwards finishing the game with a towering six.
The result leaves the Thunder languishing at the bottom of the table with their eighth loss in ten matches, while the Sixers climb to fourth with their fourth win in five outings. England's Sam Curran was instrumental with the ball for the Sixers, returning figures of 3-28.
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