Smith’s 47-ball hundred lifts Multan to commanding total
Steve Smith, now 36, produced a rare T20 statement, scoring a 47-ball hundred to power Multan Sultans to 187/2 in 17 overs. His 106 off 50 balls came with 12 fours and six sixes, setting the base for a total well beyond 200.
He began steadily but shifted gears after the powerplay, targeting spin and pace alike. The 16th over, which went for 28 runs, summed up his control. He used the crease, created angles, and picked gaps rather than swinging blindly. Sahibzada Farhan’s 66 gave him support early on, but once set, Smith took over completely.
The dismissal came attempting another big hit, but by then the damage was done. Multan’s run rate stayed above 10 throughout, and the projected total crossed 215. On a flat pitch, Hyderabad’s bowlers had no answers once Smith settled.
Is Smith building a case for T20 return?
This hundred is not just about one innings. Smith’s 47-ball ton in the PSL shows he is working on his white-ball game, especially in T20 cricket. There is a visible shift more intent, quicker scoring, and a willingness to take risks early.
He has already retired from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy and is currently focused on Tests. Australia have not considered him a regular in T20Is, though he did return briefly during the 2026 T20 World Cup due to injuries.
Smith has also spoken about aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket returns in T20 format. That ambition explains this phase of reinvention.
The question remains: is this enough to push selectors to look at him again? Is this a temporary adjustment or a sustained shift? Smith has always backed his method, but now he seems to be testing its limits.