Overview:
Babar, positioned at cover, was quick to rush over to Smith, giving him a high-five and a comforting tap on the back to acknowledge his attempt and offer support after the miss.
The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season has witnessed significant attention online, especially regarding the interaction between Sydney Sixers’ Steve Smith and Babar Azam. The tension arose when Babar reacted angrily after Smith denied him the strike during the ‘Power Surge’. Yet, in the Sixers’ pivotal virtual knockout match against Brisbane Heat on Sunday, both players seemed to have buried the hatchet, with Babar displaying a kind gesture towards Smith after he dropped a catch.
While fielding at backward point in the fifth over of the Heat’s innings, Smith dropped a challenging catch, gifting Nathan McSweeney a lifeline.
But Babar, positioned at cover, was quick to rush over to Smith, giving him a high-five and a comforting tap on the back to acknowledge his attempt and offer support after the miss.
WATCH: Babar Azam supports Steve Smith after rare catch drop
Dropped!
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 18, 2026
Babar Azam was quick to reach Steve Smith after he dropped a very tough chance at The Gabba. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/U79dwI7OqI
Struggling for consistency in the BBL 2025-26 season, Babar has scored a mere 202 runs in 10 games, with a disappointing strike rate of 104.
Meanwhile, Smith has been on fire since linking up with the Sixers after the Ashes, registering a century and a fifty in just four appearances.
On Friday, Smith opted to keep the strike for himself just before the first over of the BBL’s ‘Power Surge’, a two-over mini-powerplay that can be taken by the batting side after the 10th over, with only two fielders permitted outside the circle.
While Babar appeared upset with Smith’s decision, the Australian star responded with a powerful four sixes in the next over. Despite that, Babar’s time at the crease was cut short, and he angrily hit his bat on the ground as he made his way off the field.