The Indian Premier League (IPL) may lead in T20 cricket, but Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), since its 2011 start, is also a top event in the sport. This section highlights five of the best match-winning batting performances in Big Bash League history, with a focus on those in knockout games, considering the quality of opposition and team strength
5. Chris Gayle – 100*
Chris Gayle may be sidelined from the Big Bash League due to a controversial interview with a female reporter in 2016. However, in the early days of the tournament, the West Indian opener was a major attraction among international players. Before his memorable time with the Melbourne Renegades, the dynamic left-hander started his Big Bash League journey with Sydney Thunder.
In the tournament’s first edition, Gayle lived up to his reputation as T20 cricket’s top entertainer. While chasing 156 for victory, he demolished the Adelaide Strikers with a 54-ball century. Facing experienced T20 bowler Alfonso Thomas and the fast-paced Kane Richardson, the Jamaican led Sydney Thunder to victory with an unbeaten century, smashing 11 sixes and thrilling the crowd with his effortless power hitting.
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4. Ben Dunk – 96
Sydney Thunder would likely prefer to forget the 2012/13 and 2013/14 Big Bash League seasons. Out of 16 matches across these two editions, they suffered 15 losses. In the 2013/14 season, their 19th consecutive defeat came at the hands of Ben Dunk’s outstanding performance. On a challenging pitch that favored both seamers and spinners, Dunk, opening for the Hobart Hurricanes, delivered a standout innings.
While other batsmen struggled on the slow surface, Dunk’s remarkable 96 off 54 balls single-handedly lifted the Hurricanes to a total of 167. He hit eight boundaries and five sixes. Impressive bowling from Cameron Boyce, Shoaib Malik, and Ben Laughlin then bowled out Thunder for just 94. With the next highest score being 28, Dunk’s resilient knock truly stood out.
3. Chris Lynn – 81
Chris Lynn, known for effortlessly hitting the ball out of the park, has become a well-known figure in Australia. His explosive batting has even earned him the nickname ‘Lynnsanity.’ While his ability to hit sixes has made him a favorite among Brisbane Heat fans, one of his best innings featured an impressive strike rate of 231.42 with only three sixes.
In the 2014/15 Big Bash League season, Lynn dominated the Hobart Hurricanes by expertly placing the ball through gaps in the field. He smashed 12 fours, leaving Hobart’s captain Tim Paine stunned. Ironically, it was a full toss that ended his innings when he was in full flow. Lynn’s 35-ball 81 helped Brisbane post a total of 198 runs in their 20 overs, which was ultimately enough for an 18-run victory.
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2. Usman Khawaja – 104*
In the current Australian lineup, few can time the ball as beautifully as Usman Khawaja. When he’s in form, his graceful stroke-play shines, no matter the format. This was evident in the first semifinal of the 2015/16 BBL season when he produced a masterful innings. After the Adelaide Strikers set a competitive total of 159, they likely hoped for scoreboard pressure to work in their favor.
But Khawaja had different plans. He started aggressively, quickly dampening Adelaide’s hopes of defending the score. Even as senior players like Shane Watson and Michael Hussey fell, Khawaja calmly guided the run-chase. His unbeaten 104 from 59 balls led Sydney Thunder to an easy win, securing their spot in the final. Once there, Khawaja once again rose to the occasion, delivering another match-winning performance.
1. Craig Simmons – 112
In the 2013/14 BBL season, the Perth Scorchers faced the Sydney Sixers at the SCG for a spot in the final. Batting first on a fast pitch, the Scorchers faced a tough challenge against a formidable bowling attack featuring Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, although the latter two weren’t as prominent back then.
Despite the Sixers’ strong pace lineup, veteran Craig Simmons turned the game around with a brilliant century. He smashed 11 sixes, leading the Scorchers to a total of 193 in the crucial semifinal. In a rain-shortened chase, Sydney fell just five runs short. The Scorchers went on to defeat the Hobart Hurricanes in the final, claiming their first BBL title. Simmons’ 58-ball 112 is still tied for the third-highest individual score in the tournament’s history.
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