Smith’s 41-Ball 100 Powers Sixers to 5-Wicket Derby Win Over Thunder.

Smith’s 41-Ball 100 Powers Sixers to 5-Wicket Derby Win Over Thunder.

Thunder vs Sixers, 37th Match: Sydney Sixers Clinch Thrilling 5-Wicket Victory in Sydney Derby – Smith’s 41-Ball 100 Outshines Warner’s Unbeaten 110.

                    In a pulsating Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 encounter at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday, January 16, 2026, the Sydney Sixers edged out the Sydney Thunder by five wickets with 16 balls to spare in the 37th match.

            Chasing 190, Steven Smith unleashed one of the most explosive innings in recent BBL memory, blasting a breathtaking 100 off just 42 balls to power the Sixers to 191 for 5. This high-scoring Sydney Smash lived up to its billing as a clash of titans, featuring centuries from two Australian legends—Smith and David Warner—marking only the second instance in men's T20 history of two players aged 35+ scoring hundreds in the same game.

The result kept the Sixers' finals aspirations alive, lifting them to fourth on the table with 11 points. A win over Brisbane Heat on Sunday could secure second spot and a Qualifier berth; defeat risks elimination. The Thunder, languishing at the bottom with four points after their eighth defeat, face an uphill battle to salvage their campaign.

Thunder's Innings: Warner's Masterclass Anchors 189/6

The Sixers won the toss and elected to field first, handing Mitchell Starc a long-awaited BBL return after 11 years. Starc's opening over cost 15, including a trademark upper-cut six from Warner over backward point, signaling the tone for a batting-friendly night.

Warner, battling a knee niggle that had sidelined him earlier, dominated from the outset. He raced to 38 off 17 by the powerplay's end as Thunder reached 49 without loss. Early partnerships faltered—Matthew Gilkes (dismissed for a low score in the 5.3 over), Sam Konstas, and Sam Billings fell cheaply—leaving Warner to rebuild. Nic Maddinson provided crucial late support with 26, forging an 84-run stand off 47 balls during the power surge.

Warner's unbeaten 110 came off 64 deliveries (strike rate ~172), featuring aggressive strokeplay against pace and spin. He notched his second century of the season, overtaking Virat Kohli for the third-most T20 hundreds (10+). However, Thunder couldn't fully capitalize in the death overs. Sam Curran starred with the ball, claiming 3/28—including a chaotic final over with three wickets, a four, and a six from Daniel Sams (who was struck by a bouncer). Thunder posted 189/6, competitive but below the 200-mark many expected on the flat SCG pitch.

Sixers' Chase: Smith's Explosive Century Seals the Deal

The chase began explosively with openers Smith and Babar Azam forging a record 141-run stand for the Sixers' first wicket in T20s (surpassing the previous 124). Babar contributed a solid 47 off 39, rotating strike effectively, while Smith set the tone with aggressive intent.

Smith reached his fifty in just 23 balls, peppering boundaries with trademark innovation. The defining moment arrived during the power surge: Smith overruled Babar for strike, then dismantled Ryan Hadley with four consecutive sixes, plundering 32 runs—the most expensive over in BBL history. This onslaught shifted momentum irreversibly.

A towering 107-metre six off Nathan McAndrew sailed onto the SCG roof, becoming an instant viral highlight and symbolizing Smith's dominance. He completed his century off 41 balls (joint-second fastest in BBL, behind 39-ball tons), finishing with nine sixes and five fours before being stumped by Sam Billings off Tanveer Sangha for 100.

A late collapse saw the Sixers lose 5 for 28—Moises Henriques, Sam Curran, Josh Philippe, and others fell cheaply—but Lachlan Shaw (unbeaten contribution) and Jack Edwards (17* off 8, including a sealing six off Hadley) steadied the ship. The Sixers crossed the line in 17.2 overs.







Key Performances and Records
Steven Smith (Sixers): Player of the Match – 100 off 42 (9x6, 5x4). Fastest Sixers century, joint-second fastest BBL ton, record 32-run over, 107m six.

David Warner (Thunder): 110* off 64 – second ton this season, but in vain; moved atop BBL run charts.

Babar Azam (Sixers): 47 off 39 in 141-run opening stand (Sixers T20 record).
Sam Curran (Sixers): 3/28 – restricted Thunder effectively.

Nathan McAndrew (Thunder): 2/34 – best figures despite the onslaught.

Notable Stats: First 35+ double ton in men's T20 since 2007; highest BBL over (32 runs); Sixers' highest opening stand in T20s.

The SCG atmosphere was electric under lights, with a packed crowd witnessing fireworks from both ends.


Match Implications and Post-Match Context

This victory boosted Sixers' net run rate and confidence, setting up a do-or-die clash with Brisbane Heat. Thunder's batting fragility—despite Warner's heroics—exposed ongoing issues. Bowlers struggled on a true SCG surface favoring strokeplay.

The duel between Smith and Warner added nostalgia and drama, reminding fans of Australia's golden era. Smith's audacious power-hitting and Warner's resilience underscored enduring class amid youth dominance in T20.

A classic Sydney derby—high drama, big hits, and individual brilliance—that will be replayed for seasons to come.



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