Pakistani Babar Azam furious with Steve Smith in BBL; video goes viral – Watch | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Pakistan star Babar Azam was visibly furious with his Sydney Sixers teammate Steve Smith during the Big Bash League (BBL) match against Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. The drama unfolded in the middle of the field when Smith refused a direct run, apparently to keep the strike going during the “Power Surge” phase.
The Power Surge allows the batting team to choose a two-over window, any time after the 11th over, where only two fielders are allowed outside the inner circle. With the Sixers going for the Power Surge early, Smith was determined to make it count.The incident occurred in the 11th against Chris Green. Babar, batting fluently on 47, pushed the ball towards long-off and expected a comfortable single. However, Smith refused at the last moment, leaving Babar stranded at mid-court and clearly unimpressed. Watch:The over ended with just two runs.Moments later, Smith categorically justified his decision. Once back on strike, he launched a brutal assault that resulted in a staggering 32 runs, which became the highest score in Big Bash League history. From the first ball of the 13th over, Babar’s evening ended in disappointment. Facing Daniel McAndrew, he was thrown onto an inside edge while attempting an offensive shot. Furious at his dismissal, Babar smashed the boundary cushions with his bat as he walked away, underlining his anger after the earlier incident. He went for a well-made 47 from 39 balls, including seven fours.Despite momentary friction, the Sixers were victorious. Chasing 190, they reached 191 for five in just 17.2 overs, winning by five wickets. Steve Smith, whose aggressive intent turned the match on its head, was named player of the match for his explosive innings of 100 off 42 balls.
