A rare fielding error by Steve Smith caught the attention during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 match between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat at The Gabba on Sunday, January 18. Smith dropped a very difficult catch, and Babar Azam was seen checking him amid the controversy on the field.
On Friday, Smith rejected even a single offer made by Babar while chasing the target. The Australian batsmen looked to take strike at the beginning of the power surge. Babar looked unhappy with the call, but Smith backed his decision by scoring a record-breaking 32 runs for the Sixers in the next over, including four consecutive sixes.
Steve Smith missed rare opportunity due to Babar Azam’s support
The incident occurred on the last ball of the fifth over of Brisbane Heat’s innings at the Gabba. Steve Smith dropped a difficult catch at backward point, which is not seen often.
Nathan McSweeney played a hard cut shot outside off on a back-of-the-length delivery from Sean Abbott. The ball flew rapidly towards Smith, who attempted a reverse-cup catch, but failed to catch the ball as the speed caught him by surprise.
McSweeney ran out of fear because the opportunity was gone. Soon after, Babar Azam walked up to Smith and patted him reassuringly, offering support after the catch was dropped.
Dropped!
Babar Azam was quick to reach out to Steve Smith after leaving a very difficult chance at the Gabba. #bbl15 pic.twitter.com/U79dwI7OqI
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) 18 January 2026
Steve Smith clarifies after reports of tension with Babar Azam
According to a report by Code Sports, Babar Azam remained in the dressing room after the match and did not participate in the post-match proceedings. The report said that Babar felt humiliated after not being given a single by Steve Smith.
It was reported that Sydney Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd stepped in to defuse the situation. However, Smith addressed the issue before the Sixers’ match against Brisbane Heat. Speaking to broadcaster Isa Guha, he said that there is no problem between him and Babar.
During the broadcast, scenes were shown of Smith and Baber chatting during training. Smith said they talked about golf and that they enjoyed batting together. He also said that both were looking forward to playing again on what he described as a good wicket.
Despite Starc’s early strikes, Brisbane Heat made a late comeback and scored 171 runs.
Brisbane Heat made a good recovery at the end of their innings to score 171/9 in 20 overs. Sydney Sixers won the toss and decided to bowl first. Mitchell Starc made an immediate impact by dismissing Jack Wildermuth for 1 in the opening over.
Sean Abbott dismissed Usman Khawaja for 11 runs in the second over. In the third over, Starc once again bowled Matt Renshaw for 0. Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney then added 41 runs, before Marnus was out on 18.
Sam Curran kept the pressure on by having Bryant out LBW for 14 runs. Starc made a comeback during the bounce and dismissed Jimmy Pearson for 1, leaving Brisbane Heat struggling at 96/6 after 14.1 overs. Michael Neser then changed the momentum by scoring 35 runs in 14 balls, which included 28 runs.
McSweeney remained unbeaten after scoring 69 runs in 54 balls and took the total score beyond 170. Starc finished with figures of 4/35, Curran took 2/37, while Abbott and Davis took one wicket each.
Also read: Felt insulted: Babar Azam breaks silence on Steve Smith BBL controversy
