Babar Azam was left unhappy following 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 save the strike during the Power Surge.
Babar has faced problems with his strike rate in the T20 format. In the BBL, he scored 201 runs with a strike rate of 107.48. According to Australian media, Babar was not seen again after the incident and Smith also avoided speaking to reporters. The Sixers play their next game against the Brisbane Heat on Sunday.
Steve Smith denies Babar Azam single before electric shock
Babar Azam was visibly frustrated after a moment on the pitch with Steve Smith. Batting in the 40s at a strike rate of around 120, Babar moved the last ball of the 11th over for a single, but Smith refused to run so he could keep the strike.
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The Sydney Sixers then took over the Power Surge from the 12th. Smith made full use of it by smashing 32 runs off Ryan Hadley, including four consecutive sixes, to set a new record for most runs in a single over in BBL history.
Babar looked at the first ball of the next over and was clean bowled by Nathan McAndrew. After his dismissal, he walked away angrily and hit the boundary cushions with his bat. He still finished with his best knock of the season, scoring 47 off 39 balls.
Smith continued his dominant performance and went on to score 100 off 42 balls. His innings helped the Sixers chase down the 190-run target in less than 18 overs.
Babar Azam feels “disrespected” after Steve Smith denies him a single
According to CODE Sports, Babar Azam remained upset after the match. It was reported that Babar spoke to teammates in the locker room and said he felt disrespected when Steve Smith opted to keep the offense for the Power Surge.
“Babar Azam’s epic dummy spit during the Sydney Sixers’ win over the Thunder last night didn’t just stay on the field, and sources now confirm it continued into the locker room, where he told the players he felt disrespected by Smudge deliberately holding the attack due to the Power Surge.”
Steve Smith’s Strike-Denial Call Sparks Online Debate
The incident quickly attracted attention on social media. Fans were divided over whether Smith’s decision was smart or showed a lack of respect.
Steve Smith later explained why he denied Babar Azam a single before the Power Surge. Smith said the captain and coach wanted him to take the Surge at the 10-over mark, but he asked for another over so he could target the short boundary.
Smith admitted that Babar was not happy with the decision. He said the call was tactical to help the team win. The batsman 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 he was unaware of the incident during the match. He added that in T20 cricket, batters often look for favorable match-ups, just like bowlers do.
Also read: “Baap bhi single leta…”: Virat Kohli dragged into Steve Smith-Babar Azam controversy in BBL
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