Steve Smith's Controversial Strike Denial Overshadows Sixers' Victory Over Thunder

Match Overview

In a thrilling encounter on January 16 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Steve Smith and Babar Azam found themselves at the center of attention during the Sydney Sixers' match against the Sydney Thunder in the BBL 2025/26 season. The Sixers secured a vital seven-wicket victory, enhancing their chances for a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Chasing the Target

Set with a target of 190 runs by the Thunder, the Sixers accomplished the chase with 15 balls remaining, finishing in just 17.2 overs. Smith delivered an explosive performance, scoring 100 runs off 42 balls, which included 9 sixes and 5 fours, achieving an impressive strike rate of 238.10. Babar Azam also played a significant role, contributing 47 runs from 39 balls.

Babar Azam's Strike-Denial Incident

A notable incident during the match was Smith's decision to deny Babar Azam a strike. Azam was struggling to find his rhythm, playing a supporting role to Smith, who was leading the charge. This decision occurred in the 11th over when Azam faced three consecutive dot balls, prompting Smith to decline a single off the last ball to maintain his own strike for the Power Surge.

Frustration on the Field

Babar's visible frustration was evident as he shook his head in discontent after being denied the single. Smith's tactical choice paid off, as he scored 32 runs in the first over of the Power Surge, hitting four consecutive sixes and a four, significantly boosting the Sixers' scoring rate.

Fan Reactions

The incident sparked outrage among Babar Azam's fans, who expressed their displeasure on social media, particularly on Smith's Instagram account. Comments ranged from praising Babar's skills to criticizing Smith for prioritizing his own performance over team dynamics.

Babar's Performance Under Scrutiny

Despite the victory, Babar Azam's performance has faced criticism this season. In nine matches, he has scored 201 runs, averaging 28.71 with a strike rate of 107.48, including two fifties. He holds the record for the slowest fifty in BBL history, which has added to the scrutiny surrounding his debut season.