Overview:
Smith hit four consecutive sixes and a four to amass 32 runs from the 12th over, bowled by Ryan Hadley.
Steve Smith opened up on the tense movement involving Babar Azam during the BBL 2025-26 match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder at the SCG on January 16. The moment happened at the end of the 11th over when Smith said no to a single after Babar hit the ball to the long-on area, deciding to remain on strike. Babar wanted a single but was sent back by Smith.
Former Pakistan skipper Babar was not pleased and even spoke to Smith at the non-striker’s end. Smith wanted to delay the Power Surge by one over and target the shorter boundary, a move that didn’t get the support of Babar.
Steven Smith denied a single to Babar Azam to keep himself on strike. pic.twitter.com/OL603qmM94
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 16, 2026
“We had a word at the 10-over mark, and they wanted to take the Surge straightaway. I was not ready for it as I was eyeing the short boundary. I was aiming to add 30 runs from that over, and we ended up getting 32, which was a great result for us. Babar was not happy with me saying no to single,” Smith said.
Smith hit four consecutive sixes and a four to amass 32 runs from the 12th over, bowled by Ryan Hadley. Smith’s timing and footwork stunned the bowler. However, Babar Azam was dismissed in the next over. He chopped the ball on the leg stump after a think inside edge on Nathan McAndrew’s delivery. Babar was frustrated and hit the boundary cushion with his bat.
"Wasn't happy, Babar." 😳
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026
Drama in the middle of the SCG after Steve Smith knocked back a run from Babar Azam, so he could take strike during the Power Surge. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/rTh0RXE0A5
The right-handed batter completed the joint-second fastest hundred in BBL history. He scored 100 off 42 balls, packed with 9 sixes and 5 boundaries as Sixers won the match by 5 wickets with 16 balls left.

