By Admin 
While chasing the target of 190 runs against Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League on Friday, Steve Smith and Babar Azam made a partnership of 141 runs for the first wicket. On one hand, Smith played a stormy innings, while on the other hand, Babar’s strike rate remained under question. But the biggest uproar happened when Smith did not take a run which could have been easily done with Babar, after which Babar, who was out, expressed his anger by hitting the bat on the boundary line. On this, former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali said a big thing giving the example of Virat Kohli.
Babar Azam, playing for Sydney Sixers, scored 47 runs in 39 balls, hit 7 fours but did not hit a single six. Lalchan Shaw, who scored 13 runs, also hit 1 six and Jack Edwards, who scored 17 runs, also hit 2 sixes. Steve Smith scored 100 runs in 42 balls with the help of 9 sixes and 5 fours at a strike rate of 238. Smith probably did not take the single considering Babar’s strike rate (120.51).
Pakistanis angry at the insult of Babar Azam
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali, while speaking on this controversy, said in a show, “If Virat Kohli had been there instead of Babar Azam today, Smith’s father would have also taken a single.” He further said that Babar Azam is not spoiling the name of Pakistan with his game but his value is decreasing. He said that Pakistan Cricket Board did not send him there, Sydney Sixers have called him.
“Wasn’t happy, Babar.” 😳
Drama in the middle of the SCG after Steve Smith knocked back a run from Babar Azam, so he could take strike during the Power Surge. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/rTh0RXE0A5
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026
Why did Smith refuse to take a single?
Babar Azam played some dot balls in the 11th over and tried to score a run on the last ball by playing a shot towards long-on. Smith flatly refused and did not run. After this, when Babar asked him in a surprised manner, Smith said something. Even then Babar looked angry and turned his face away from Smith.
Steve Smith kept the strike in the next over and hit 4 consecutive sixes in 4 balls and also a four in the over. A total of 32 runs were scored in this over, which is a record. Thanks to this fast-paced innings, Sydney Sixers achieved the target of 190 runs against Sydney Thunder with 16 balls remaining.
What is Babar Azam’s salary in BBL 2026?
Sydney Sixers included Babar Azam in Big Bash League 2026 for 420,000 Australian dollars. If seen in Pakistan Rupees it is around 8 crores.