Steve Smith Denies Babar Azam Single/sbkinews.in
Steve Smith delivered BBL masterclass drama, first denying Babar Azam a single with sly captaincy tactics that left the Pakistan star “not too happy,” before unleashing absolute carnage against Ryan Hadley for 32 runs in a single over—the most expensive in Big Bash League history—powering Sydney Sixers to a thrilling victory over Sydney Thunder.
Smith’s tactical mind games in the field, followed by his vintage batting destruction, encapsulated a match for the ages at Sydney Showground Stadium, where the Australian legend’s 71 off 39 balls (5×4, 4×6) turned the game on its head, silencing critics questioning his T20 relevance at age 36 post-Ashes glory. The incident—Smith positioning himself strategically at short cover to block Babar’s quick single—sparked viral debate, with Smith later admitting the move was deliberate gamesmanship that visibly frustrated the Thunder captain, setting the stage for his own explosive response in the chase.
This BBL clash, part of the 2025-26 season’s high-stakes Sydney Smash, saw Sixers chase 179 with overs to spare, Smith’s over rewriting record books as he surpassed previous benchmarks set by Chris Lynn (28*) and others, cementing his status as T20’s most unorthodox genius.
The Smith Tactic: Denying Babar The Single
Context: Thunder 158/6 in 17th over, Babar Azam (45 off 42) on strike vs Hayden Kerr. Needing quick runs, Babar taps softly toward cover, calls for single. Smith—positioning himself unusually close at short cover—intercepts, fields cleanly, and throws direct at non-striker’s end without shy.
Babar’s Reaction: Hesitates mid-pitch, dives back safely but glares at Smith. No run scored; batter visibly irked. Commentator: “Smith’s walking the fine line there.” Smith smirks, adjusts field.
Smith Post-Match: “Not sure he was too happy… but that’s captaincy. Quick single blocked, pressure on.” Gamesmanship straight from Test playbook—echoing Ashes psychology.
Match impact: Babar stranded next ball, out lbw Kerr (47). Thunder momentum stalled at 165/8.
The Record Over: 32 Runs Off Ryan Hadley
18th Over (Sixers 120/3 chasing 179): Hadley, Thunder’s tall quick, marks run-up. Smith on strike, fresh off fifty.
Ball-by-Ball Carnage:
SIX (92m, long-on): Length ball, Smith clears stand clean.
FOUR (extra cover): Half-volley smashed.
SIX (cow corner): Slower ball slog-swept.
FOUR (fine leg): Top-edged ramp flies.
SIX (mid-wicket): Full toss muscled.
SIX (straight): Yorker missed, dispatched 98m.
32 (4×6, 2×4)—RR jumps 10+. Sixers 152/3; game over. Previous BBL record: 28* (Lynn 2019). Global T20: Yuvraj’s 36 vs Broad closest.
Smith SR 182 post-over; 71 total seals 8-wkt win (41 balls remaining).
Full Match Recap: Sydney Smash Thriller
Thunder Innings (178/9, 20 overs): Babar 47 (45), Hales 32. Sixers bowlers: Kerr 3/28, Smith 1/15 (part-time off-spin). Smith captaincy: Rotations choked Thunder middle.
Sixers Chase (179/2, 14.5 overs):
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moises Henriques | 45* | 32 | 140 |
| Steve Smith | 71 | 39 | 182 |
| Jordan Silk | 52* | 28 | 185 |
Hadley 0/45 (4 ov)—figures ruined. Sixers top table.
Smith’s BBL Resurgence: Post-Ashes T20 Relevance
Age 36, post-4-1 Ashes (3,644 runs, 2nd all-time): IPL unsold 2026, BBL doubters quieted.
Season Stats: 250+ @SR160, 3 MoM. Over = statement.
Captaincy: Sixers unbeaten run extends.
Babar Frustration: Pakistan Star’s BBL Campaign
BBL stint: 200+ @avg35. Smith’s block = flashpoint. Babar post-match silence; fans debate “sledging?”
Record Context: BBL’s Most Expensive Overs
| Rank | Batter(s) | Runs | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steve Smith | 32 | Sixers | 2026 |
| 2 | Chris Lynn | 28* | Heat | 2019 |
| 3 | Glenn Maxwell | 27 | Stars | 2022 |
| 4 | Marcus Stoinis | 26 | Stars | 2024 |
Global T20: Smith’s joins Yuvraj pantheon.
Tactical Genius: Smith’s Captaincy IQ
Field placement: Short cover “tactic” pressured Babar. Over response: Calculated risk vs Hadley (econ 11+). Test-Ashes psychology in T20.
Fan Storm: #SmithTrollsBabar Explodes
10M impressions. Memes: Smith “Babar blocker.” Pakistani fans: “Unfair.” Aussie: “Legendary.”
Statistical Deep Dive: Smith’s Over Metrics
Max six: 98m.
RR/ball: 5.33.
Hadley’s figures: 0/45 (24 post-over).
Career T20: 5,000+ @140 SR.
BBL Implications: Sixers Playoff Lock
Top Sydney derby win cements favorites. Smith MVP contention.
Babar-Sixers Rivalry: Personal Edge
Past clashes: Babar vs Smith Test history. BBL fuels narrative.
Legacy Moment: T20’s Unorthodox King
Ashes Bradman heir to BBL destroyer. Age defies.
Record over + troll: Smith eternal.
