BBL’s Shocking Debut! Babar Azam out for just 2 points against Perth Scorchers – Watch | Cricket News
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam made his much-anticipated Big Bash League (BBL) debut on Sunday, December 14, but it was not the start he would have hoped for. The former Pakistan captain, who joined the Sydney Sixers ahead of the tournament, is among the leading names in this T20 competition, with fans eager to see him return to form ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Babar, 31, struggled in his first outing, lasting just five deliveries and managing just two runs before pacer Brody Couch dismissed him. His first ball was a dot, and on the fourth pitch he attempted a flat shot against a short ball, but ended up mistiming it. The ball looped toward the middle, where the defensive player easily completed the catch.
Commentators noted that Babar was “beaten by the rebound”, which affected his timing and execution of his shot. The match itself, between the Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, had been shortened to 11 overs per team due to rain and thunderstorms. Babar’s BBL debut comes after his return to the Pakistan T20I team after a spell away. Since his return after the Asia Cup, his performances have been inconsistent, and with no other T20Is scheduled before the World Cup, he is expected to use the BBL to get back into rhythm ahead of the tournament. Babar is not alone among Pakistani players in the BBL this season. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Rizwan will also feature in the league, showcasing their skills on Australian soil. Before the match, Babar shared a brief chat with broadcasters Adam Gilchrist and Mark Howard, revealing that his father had accompanied him to Australia. “It’s good to be back here. It’s good to go. My dad is here because he loves to travel. I’m happy my dad is here,” he said.
