Unsold in IPL 2025 auction, Steve Smith smashes record-equaling third century in Big Bash League

On Saturday (January 11), Steve Smith made his highly awaited return to the Big Bash League (BBL) during a league stage encounter between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The former Sydney captain produced a remarkable comeback with an unbeatable century. Smith, who is expected to play three BBL 2025 matches, concluded with an impressive 121 runs off 64 balls to help Sydney reach 222.

The right-handed batsman got his half-century on the 36th ball he faced, and after leading Sydney to their maiden BBL title in 2012, he completed his century in just 58 balls.

Smith made history by equaling a big BBL record, and he now shares the honor of having scored the most hundreds in the Australian T20 League.

Steve Smith is something else 

Here's all the highlights from his 121* off 64 balls. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/MTo82oWAv1

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 11, 2025

Steve Smith and Ben McDermott share the lead with three centuries each. Smith has only appeared in 32 matches since his debut in 2011, whereas McDermott has played 100. Despite being a constant member of the Australian side for almost a decade, Smith has appeared in very few BBL contests.

His century in the BBL serves as a reminder to IPL franchises that he is still a good Twenty20 player. He went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction and has been out of the T20 competition since 2022. Smith, who formerly led the Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant, offered commentary during the 2024 IPL season.

Looking ahead, Steve Smith is likely to return as Test captain for the team's forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka, where they will play two Tests. Pat Cummins will skip the tour for personal reasons.

Australia has already qualified for the World Test Championship final, where they will meet Sri Lanka from June 11 to 15 at Lord's Cricket Ground.

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