Drama unfolded in the Big Bash League as Sydney Sixers rode on Steve Smith’s heroic century to victory, despite Josh Hazlewood’s shocking 32-run over that had jaws dropping across the Sydney Cricket Ground.
After electing to set a target, Sixers’ top order crumbled, but Smith arrived like a phoenix. His unbeaten 102 off 58 balls—brimming with boundaries and sixes—rescued the innings and set a formidable 195/6. The knock was a testament to his adaptability in T20 cricket.
The pivotal over bowled by Hazlewood saw batsmen unleash fury: three sixes and extras totaling 32 runs. Dubbed ‘Hadlee’s revenge’ by fans for the bowler’s usual precision, it shifted momentum dramatically.
Undeterred, Smith notched his hundred with a signature six, inspiring his team. The chasing outfit, buoyed initially, faltered under pressure, finishing at 172/8 for a 23-run defeat.
This result strengthens Sixers’ position in the points table, with Smith’s form a major talking point. Hazlewood reflected on the over as a learning curve, promising sharper lines ahead. BBL 2023 continues to deliver edge-of-the-seat action.