Steve Smith’s second Twenty20 Century gave the Sydney Sixers victory over the Adelaide Strikers and guaranteed their spot in the Big Bash League knockouts.
Smith hit 101 of 56 balls, including five fours and seven sixes, before running out.
Powered by Smith’s century, the Sixers went 203-5 and won by 59 points when the Strikers were knocked out for 144.
Australian keeper Alex Carey scored 54 for Adelaide, who lost regular wickets throughout their pursuit.
The strikers remain in play-off contention but may need to win their two remaining games against Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades to qualify.
The Sixers look set to finish in the top two, which would see them play in qualifying and have two chances to reach the final on February 4.
Smith’s century was the first by a Sixers male hitter in the Big Bash’s 12 seasons.
His first T20 century dates back to 2016, when he hit 101 out of 54 balls for Rising Pune Supergiants against Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League.
English duo James Vince and Chris Jordan used to play for the Sixers but have now left to play in the International T20 Premier League in the United Arab Emirates.
