MPCA 2021-22: Baden Powell batter blasts two massive centuries to start season

Zach Smith has hit a staggering 31 sixes in two innings in the MPCA this season. But there was a jaw-dropping moment in his latest onslaught of 169no.

Baden Powell batter Zach Smith has made 168no and 169no in his two innings this season.

Zach Smith is one batter you do not drop when he offers a chance.

Mt Eliza’s C4 side learnt that the hard way on Saturday, grassing him on nought — and then paying dearly.

Smith proceeded to blast 169 not out, with 11 sixes and 14 fours, to propel Baden Powell to 5-285 off 40 overs at Emil Madsen Reserve.

It came a week after he smashed 168 not out (with 20 sixes) against Tyabb to start the season with a bang.

There’s no hotter batter in Victoria.

But Smith played down his stunning and was more disappointed that his mate Liam Whitehead missed out on a century on Saturday.

“I was dropped four times so I was a bit lucky,” Smith, 24, said.

“It was an absolute soda to mid-wicket. I was pretty lucky to be honest.

“It was definitely nowhere near as good as last week.

“I ran out one of my best mates (Whitehead) on 74 so this was probably his hundred more than I.

“I ended up having to buy him beer.”

In his two innings this season, Smith has belted a staggering 31 sixes and scored 337 runs, without being dismissed.

“Don’t expect it for the rest of the season,” he quipped.

“I might go down the order this week, we’ll see what happens.

“I’m a bit embarrassed to talk about it.

“Obviously I’m playing bottom level and I could be playing a lot higher but I just play cricket for fun. I haven’t played for five years.”

Smith is using a no-name “cheapie’’ bat he bought for $170 and put stickers on. It’s fair to say he likes his new stick.