Babar Azam had a lot of anger after his dismissal in the recent Sydney derby in the ongoing BBL 15 season. Sydney Sixers defeated Sydney Thunder at the SCG on January 16, 2026, and Sixers batter Steve Smith played a huge role in it.
After David Warner’s brilliant 110* with 11 fours and 4 sixes took Sydney Thunder to 189/6 in 20 overs. Sam Curran took 3/28 for the Sixers.
In response, Babar Azam and Steve Smith added 141 runs for the first wicket in 12.1 overs for the Sixers. The partnership was dominated by Steve Smith as Babar Azam fell for 47 in 39 balls with 7 fours.
Steve Smith, on the other hand, hammered a 41-ball century, making 100 in 42 balls with 5 fours and 9 sixes. His century helped the Sixers win the game by 5 wickets in 17.2 overs.
In the 12th over of the Sixers’ innings, Steve Smith denied taking a single despite Babar Azam being ready for it. Smith explained to an angry Babar that he wanted to strike as he opted for a power surge. Smith then proceeded to hit four consecutive sixes and one four, taking 32 runs in the next over by Ryan Hadley.
In the over next to that, Babar Azam was bowled by Nathan McAndrew as he tried to hit a big shot. Azam made 47 runs in 39 balls with a strike rate of 120.51, hitting seven fours.
Babar was furious as he walked back to the pavilion, refusing to look at Steve Smith and struck the boundary rope with the bat.
"Wasn't happy, Babar. Not a good look, that. Whatever you are feeling, you don't show that," Mark Waugh said during the commentary after watching the Pakistan batter's furious reaction.
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Babar Azam, the star Pakistani batter, has struggled to get going in the BBL 15 season, scoring 201 runs in eight games at a strike rate of 107.48, and has hit two fifties, with the best score being 58*.
This wasn’t the only instance when Steve Smith and Babar Azam were at odds. During the Thunder innings, their on-field communication showed some early hiccups, highlighting the need to build chemistry.
Smith and Babar suffered from miscommunication while fielding at the boundary. David Warner struck a direct drive down the ground, creating an opportunity to halt the boundary. Both sprinted toward the ball, but as they got closer, there was hesitation because no clear call was given.
Babar, who was closer, did not dive, while Smith appeared to be taken aback by the inaction. As a result, Warner and the Thunder secured a boundary. The following ball traveled into the same spot, and Smith dove to stop it while Babar was tossing the ball in front of him.
