Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam took a sharp catch to dismiss Mitchell Marsh during the BBL 2025 match between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers. Babar, making his BBL debut, took a catch in the first over to help the team secure a breakthrough while defending the target in a rain-interrupted game.
The BBL opener in Perth was affected by inclement weather, with a delayed start due to a storm and the match being shortened to 11 overs per side. Notably, the Sydney Sixers bounced back well after early setbacks. Jack Edwards scored 46 runs off just 21 balls and helped the Sixers post a competitive score of 113 runs for 5 wickets.
WATCH: Babar Azam hits a brilliant shot to send Mitchell Marsh back for a duck
Charles Stobo enjoyed a dream start to his Big Bash League career by bagging a prized wicket in his opening spell. He bowled the ball full outside off and tempted Mitchell Marsh into taking a risky shot. The right-handed batsman tried to make it behind square on the off-side, but could only get a thick outside edge.
Babar Azam, deployed at slip, reacted quickly and took a sharp, jumping catch to dismiss him. Marsh was sent back for a duck, dealing an early blow to the Scorchers. Stobo made an immediate impact in his first match.
Watch the video posted by the official broadcaster on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:
Catch!
Babar Azam used a beauty to remove Mitch Marsh #bbl15 pic.twitter.com/8D8tfKM7pd
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) 14 December 2025
Babar made a disappointing BBL debut with the bat
Earlier in the match, Babar Azam had a disappointing performance with the bat in his BBL debut. The former Pakistan captain failed to settle down and was out cheaply after facing only a few balls.
Babar struggled to get going and managed only two runs before missing a pull shot off Brodie Couch. The ball went straight to the fielder at mid-on, ending his time at the Optus Stadium early.
Babar, who arrived in the BBL as one of the biggest names of the tournament, is being watched as he looks to find form ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. However, their first match did not give them the momentum they had hoped for.
Babar Azam’s T20 journey after failure in Asia Cup
Before the Big Bash League, Babar Azam participated in the T20I tri-series held in Pakistan, where he scored 127 runs in five matches.
Babar’s name was not considered for selection for the 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE. Under the leadership of Salman Ali Aga, the team reached the final of the tournament. However, they had to face defeat from India in the summit clash.
The Asia Cup campaign proved challenging for Pakistan, especially against India. The two rivals met thrice in Dubai and Pakistan lost each time.
Babar made a comeback to the national T20I setup during the home series against South Africa in October 2025. He overtook Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in international T20 cricket.
Also read: Ajinkya Rahane becomes KKR captain; Young batsman ordered to do wicketkeeping in IPL 2026
