Babar Azam was left unhappy after an on-field incident involving Steve Smith during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on Friday, January 16. The Pakistan star reportedly felt disrespected after Smith refused a simple single to keep the strike during the Power Surge.
Babar has faced issues with his strike rate in the T20 format. In the BBL, he has scored 201 runs at a strike rate of 107.48. According to Australian media, Babar was not seen after the incident, and Smith also avoided speaking to reporters. The Sixers are set to play their next match on Sunday against the Brisbane Heat.
Steve Smith Denies Babar Azam Single Before Power Surge
Babar Azam was visibly frustrated after an on-field moment with Steve Smith. Batting in the 40s at a strike rate of around 120, Babar pushed the final ball of the 11th over for a single, but Smith refused to run so he could keep the strike.
The Sydney Sixers then took the Power Surge from the 12th over. Smith made full use of it by smashing 32 runs off Ryan Hadley, including four consecutive sixes, setting a new record for the most runs in a single over in BBL history.
Babar faced the first ball of the next over and was clean bowled by Nathan McAndrew. After his dismissal, he walked off angrily and hit the boundary cushions with his bat. He still finished with his best knock of the season, scoring 47 from 39 balls.
Smith continued his dominant display and went on to score 100 from 42 balls. His innings helped the Sixers chase down the 190-run target in under 18 overs.
Babar Azam Feels “Disrespected” After Steve Smith Denies Him a Single
According to CODE Sports, Babar Azam stayed upset after the match. It was reported that Babar spoke to teammates in the dressing room and said that he felt disrespected when Steve Smith chose to keep the strike for the Power Surge.
“Babar Azam’s epic dummy spit during the Sydney Sixers’ victory over the Thunder last night did not just stay on the pitch, with sources now confirming it continued into the dressing room, where he told players that he felt disrespected by Smudge deliberately holding onto strike for the Power Surge.”
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Steve Smith’s Strike-Denial Call Sparks Online Debate
The incident quickly drew attention on social media. Fans were divided over whether Smith’s decision was smart thinking or showed a lack of respect.
Steve Smith later explained why he denied Babar Azam a single before the Power Surge. Smith said that the captain and coach wanted him to take the Surge at the 10-over mark, but he asked for one more over so he could target the short boundary.
Smith admitted Babar was not happy with the decision. He said that the call was tactical to help the team win. The batter added that his focus was on using the Power Surge at the right time.
Mitchell Starc, who played his first Big Bash League match in 11 years on Friday, said that he did not know about the incident during the game. He added that in T20 cricket, batters often look for favourable match-ups, just like bowlers do.
Also read: “Baap bhi single leta…”: Virat Kohli dragged into Steve Smith-Babar Azam controversy in BBL