Watch: Steve Smith Channels Inner AB de Villiers with 4, 6, 6, 6 Against Young Pakistan Pacer

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season witnessed a truly vintage performance as Australian legendary batter Steve Smith went berserk against the RawalPindiZ bowling attack. Opening the innings for Multan Sultans at the National Stadium in Karachi, Smith rolled back the years to produce a knock that combined classic timing with modern-day audacity.

The Over That Stunned Karachi: 4, 6, 6, 6

The highlight of the match came in the ninth over of the Multan Sultans' chase. Steve Smith, who was batting steadily at 21, decided to shift gears against the uncapped young fast bowler, Razaullah. What followed was absolute carnage that left the fans and commentators in awe. Smith began the over with a scorching boundary through the off-side, followed by a massive six over square leg.

Showing no mercy to the youngster, Smith then produced a majestic ramp shot over the wicketkeeper's head a move that drew immediate comparisons to the legendary AB de Villiers. By the time the over ended, Smith had extracted 23 runs, effectively breaking the back of the target and racing to 43* off just 22 deliveries. This display of 360-deCrickxo batting proved that the 36 year old still possesses the destructive capabilities required for the shortest format of the game.

Smith's Prolific PSL 2026 Campaign

This match winning 56 off 31 balls marked Smith's second half-century of the tournament. His first significant contribution came earlier in April against Quetta Gladiators, where he scored a vital 53. In his maiden PSL season, Smith has already amassed 231 runs across eight innings. His strike rate of 148.07 is a testament to his evolution as a T20 opener, echoing the dominant form he showed during the Big Bash League (BBL) earlier this year.

Multan Sultans Solidify Top Spot Contention

Despite a competitive total of 166-4 posted by RawalPindiZ thanks to a regal 58* from Daryl Mitchell and a late blitz from Dian Forrester Multan Sultans chased the target with relative ease. Steve Smith's opening fireworks, coupled with a blistering cameo from captain Ashton Turner, ensured that the Sultans registered their sixth win in eight matches.

The victory has solidified Multan Sultans' position at number two on the points table, trailing only behind the unbeaten Peshawar Zalmi. As the tournament heads toward the knockout stages, Smith's peak form makes Multan one of the most dangerous units in the competition. They are now scheduled to face the Hyderabad Kingsmen on Wednesday, April 22, in what promises to be another high-scoring encounter.

Technical Analysis: The Evolution of Smith in T20s

Cricket analysts have noted that Smith’s recent success in T20 leagues stems from a more aggressive trigger movement and a clear intent to target the powerplay overs. By utilizing his wrist work to access behind-the-wicket areas, he has forced bowlers to abandon their traditional lengths, making him nearly impossible to set a field for. As the T20 World Cup approaches, this 'Version 2.0' of Steve Smith will surely be a major talking point for the Australian selectors.

Do you think Steve Smith’s current '360-deCrickxo' form makes him the most dangerous opener in PSL 2026?