Yesterday’s Big Bash League clash between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder became the talk of the news when Smith Denies Babar Azam a Single at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground delivered not just a thrilling finish, but one of the most talked‑about confrontations of the BBL season. The spotlight shifted from the scoreboard to a moment of tension between teammates — and then back to pure cricketing brilliance.
Smith Denies Babar Azam a Single
Turning Point: The Denied Single That Shook Fans
On the final ball of the 11th over, Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam appeared set to take a quick single, nudging the ball to long‑on and looking for a comfortable run. But, in an unexpected move, veteran Australian batter Steve Smith refused to take the run, staying at the crease instead. Smith later explained that his gamble was tactical — he wanted to keep the strike going into the Power Surge (a fielding restriction period) and take advantage of the shorter boundary.
What followed instantly became BBL folklore. Smith unleashed an unforgettable display of power hitting — launching four consecutive sixes in that same over, followed by a boundary — amassing 32 runs in a single over, one of the highest scoring overs in BBL history.
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Babar’s Reaction: Frustration Turns to Fire
The decision not to give Babar the strike visibly unsettled the usually composed batter. After being dismissed on the very next ball of the following over, Babar’s frustration boiled over — he smashed his bat against the boundary cushion on his way off the field. His reaction quickly went viral, triggering widespread discussion among fans on social media.
Cricket pundits and former players also weighed in, with some saying the moment made for dramatic entertainment, while others felt it showed a rare lapse in on‑field communication between two world‑class batters.
Smith’s Masterclass: Turning Strategy Into Success
Steve Smith’s assertive choice paid off spectacularly. He finished the match with a rollicking 100‑run innings off just 42 balls, anchoring the Sydney Sixers’ successful chase of the target set by Sydney Thunder. The Sixers reached the mark with 16 balls to spare, largely thanks to Smith’s unforgettable over.
Speaking after the game, Smith acknowledged Babar’s feelings but stood by his decision, explaining that he had anticipated making the most of the upcoming Power Surge — a strategy that clearly paid off when he cleared the boundary repeatedly.
Fan Reactions and What It Means
Cricket fans were split on the moment:
- Some applauded Smith’s courage and cricketing nous — and the fans in the stadium rose to their feet with every huge hit.
- Others felt the tactical refusal to let Babar score was unsporting, especially since it noticeably irked one of the sport’s most respected batters.
Either way, the incident sparked viral debates on cricket forums and social media, with memes, commentary, and passionate fan talk dominating timelines across platforms.
Conclusion: A Match to Remember
Yesterday’s BBL encounter will be remembered not just for the final scoreline, but for the tension, the tactical gamble, and the spectacular consequence — a set of events that added extra spice to an already exciting competition.
Steve Smith’s decision to deny Babar Azam a single — and then back it up with some of the most explosive hitting of his BBL career — will live long in the memories of fans and analysts alike. It reminded everyone that in T20 cricket, strategy, timing, and bold choices can create moments as entertaining as any century.