Babar Azam's Uncharacteristic Anger Erupts During Dramatic BBL Clash
Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam typically displays remarkable composure at the crease. However, during Friday's Big Bash League encounter between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, an unexpected flash of anger captured everyone's attention.
Frustration Builds During Tense Run Chase
The Sydney Sixers faced a challenging target of 190 runs. While the chase began smoothly, Babar Azam encountered difficulties during the middle overs. The situation reached a boiling point in the 11th over.
Babar played three consecutive dot balls before finally finding a gap with the fourth delivery. A comfortable single seemed available, but non-striker Steve Smith surprisingly refused the run. This decision visibly stunned the Pakistani batter, who struggled to conceal his mounting frustration as the over concluded.
Steve Smith Unleashes Historic Power Surge
The Sixers immediately activated their Power Surge, and Smith capitalized spectacularly. He launched four consecutive sixes off bowler Ryan Hadley, plundering 32 runs from the over. This became the most expensive over in Big Bash League history, dramatically shifting momentum toward the Sixers.
Babar's frustration intensified moments later. Facing his first delivery after Smith's explosive display, he fell to Nathan McAndrew's bowling, departing for 47 runs. Walking back to the pavilion, an angry Babar smashed his bat against the boundary rope in clear disappointment.
Criticism and Commentary Follow Unusual Reaction
Former Australian batter Mark Waugh, commentating during the match, expressed disapproval of Babar's reaction. "Wasn't happy, Babar. Not a good look, that," Waugh remarked on air. "Whatever you are feeling you don't show that."
Steve Smith Creates BBL History With Dominant Century
With Babar dismissed, Steve Smith took complete control of the chase. The Sixers captain achieved a stunning century in just 41 balls, surpassing David Warner's earlier performance. Warner had carried the Thunder innings with an unbeaten 110 from 65 deliveries, helping his team reach 189 for 6 after the Sixers chose to field first.
Smith's magnificent innings featured five boundaries and nine sixes. He guided the Sixers to victory with 16 balls remaining while creating tournament history. The Australian great registered his fourth BBL century, becoming the competition's leading centurion.
Smith's remarkable statistics for the Sydney Sixers now include:
- 1,318 total runs
- Average of 48.81
- Four centuries and eight half-centuries
- Debut in 2011
Dominant Partnership Seals Victory
A powerful 141-run opening partnership between Smith and Babar effectively decided the match early. The Sixers completed their chase in just 17.2 overs, securing a five-wicket win. This victory propelled Sydney Sixers to fourth position on the points table with 11 points from nine matches, keeping their playoff aspirations firmly alive.
