What began as a clinical 141-run opening partnership between the Sydney Sixers’ superstar duo turned into a social media firestorm. On the final ball of the 11th over, Babar Azam nudged a delivery to long-on and looked for a comfortable single. However, Steve Smith firmly sent him back, choosing to deny the run.
The Tactical Masterstroke
Smith’s decision was calculated. He wanted to retain the strike for the “Power Surge” (the BBL’s two-over mini-powerplay) to target the shorter boundary. The result was instantaneous vindication:
- The Record Over: In the next over, Smith dismantled Ryan Hadley, smashing four consecutive sixes and a four in a 32-run over—the most expensive in BBL history.
- The Century: Smith went on to score a magnificent 100 off just 42 balls, securing a 5-wicket win for the Sixers.
Babar’s Frustration & Social Media Backlash
Despite the tactical success, Babar Azam was visibly disgruntled. Having struggled to a 47 off 39 balls (strike rate of 120), the “King” felt undermined by his partner.
- The Dismissal: Frustrated by the denied strike, Babar was bowled on the very first ball of the next over by Nathan McAndrew.
- The Outburst: On his way back to the dugout, an uncharacteristically angry Babar was seen smashing the boundary cushions with his bat.
- The Trolls Arrive: Thousands of fans, primarily from Pakistan, swarmed Steve Smith’s Instagram, demanding an apology and calling the move “disrespectful” and “humiliating” to a world-class player.
Commentary Box Laughs: The “Sloppy” Fielding Row
The tension wasn’t limited to the batting. Earlier in the game, fans on X (formerly Twitter) trolled Babar for his lack of intensity in the field.
- Commentators noted a moment where Babar, at long-on, failed to dive for a boundary, leaving Smith looking confused.
- When Smith pulled off a spectacular diving save just moments later on an identical shot, the commentary box couldn’t help but chuckle at the “awkward” dynamic between the two.