Cricket fans had plenty to talk about during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 match, as Pakistan star Babar Azam shared the crease with Steve Smith for Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder at the SCG.
Tension arose when Smith refused to take a single off the final delivery of the 11th over, leaving Babar visibly frustrated.
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The incident came after Babar had faced three consecutive dot balls and was eager to rotate the strike.
A video shared by the league on social media captured his disappointment, which quickly became a talking point among commentators and fans alike.
Babar was dismissed on his very next delivery, hitting the boundry rope in frustration.
"Wasn't happy, Babar." 😳
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026
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
Analysts suggested that Smith’s decision was strategic, as he planned to accelerate in the following over.
"They've said no run to that."
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026
Steve Smith knocked a run back off the bat of Babar Azam, so he could have the strike for the Power Surge! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/BaZET2UF2t
READ: WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan forced to retire out during BBL match
Smith delivered on that plan in emphatic style, smashing back-to-back sixes and adding a four off a no-ball to collect 32 runs in the next over, swinging the momentum firmly in Sixers’ favour.
32 RUNS OFF ONE OVER!
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026
Steve Smith hit four sixes in a row in this wild over at the SCG. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/fSPEaw3Xoo
The Sixers eventually defeated Sydney Thunder by five wickets, with Smith scoring a blazing 42-ball century, including five fours and nine sixes.
Babar Azam also contributed a steady 47 off 39 balls, including seven fours, helping his team chase down Thunder’s competitive total of 189-6, which was powered by David Warner’s unbeaten 110 off 65 deliveries.
This was the second such incident involving a Pakistani cricketer in the BBL.
Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan had been called back by his Melbourne Renegades skipper Will Sutherland, who retired him out in a strategic move.
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Despite the brief on-field tension, the moment highlighted the intensity and tactical thinking in franchise cricket, while both Babar and Smith played crucial roles in Sydney Sixers’ victory.
