Recently, after the match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, Australian batsman Steve Smith faced heavy criticism from Babar Azam’s fans on social media. Smith’s decision to not give a single run to Pakistan’s batsmen to maintain the strike drew angry reactions from Babar’s fans.
Chasing 190, the Sixers finished the match in 17.2 overs with 15 balls to spare at the iconic SCG on Friday, January 16. Smith scored 100 runs in 42 balls at a strike rate of 238.10, which included nine sixes and five fours. His aggressive batting took the game away from the opposition bowlers and set the stage for victory.
Steve Smith-Babar Azam incident overshadows Sixers’ victory
Sydney Sixers defeated Sydney Thunder to register their fifth win in nine matches in the ongoing Big Bash League. With this result, the Sixers moved up to fourth place in the points table with 11 points.
The biggest talking point of the match came during the run chase involving Steve Smith and Babar Azam. Babar struggled to find his rhythm and played a largely supporting role, while Smith controlled the innings and took responsibility for both scoring and finishing.
After Babar played three consecutive dot balls in the 11th over, Smith refused to take a run on the last ball. Smith wanted to stay on strike for the power surge and target the shorter range. The decision clearly irked Babar, who shook his head and showed disappointment after being denied a run.
Steve Smith’s tactical call changed the game
Steve Smith’s decision to retain the strike during the power surge proved crucial for the Sydney Sixers. In the first over of the surge, he scored 32 runs by hitting four consecutive sixes along with a four off Ryan Hadlee. Due to aggressive batting, 49 runs were required from 48 balls while chasing the target.
However, this move disappointed Babar Azam. After being denied the strike, Babar was out in the next over in a power surge and expressed his frustration by hitting his bat on the boundary.
Smith and Babar first made an opening partnership of 141 runs. The Australian batsman scored 88 runs, which was almost 62% of the stand, while Babar contributed 47. Smith controlled the scoring rate to a great extent during his stay at the crease.
Babar Azam fans target Steve Smith on Instagram after strike-refusal incident
Not only Babar Azam but also his supporters are disappointed with Smith’s decision to refuse the strike. Fans felt that Smith decided to favor his own power-hitting plan while preventing Babar from making use of the crucial scoring phase of the innings.
Immediately after the match, Babar’s fans targeted Smith’s Instagram account. They flooded the comments sections of his posts with angry and abusive messages, praising Babar and criticizing Smith for his decisions on the field.
Babar Azam fans are now spamming Steven Smith’s Instagram comment section.
This is very insulting. pic.twitter.com/yVCzAhUecY
– Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) 16 January 2026
Also read: ‘Angry’ Babar Azam breaks ties with Sydney Sixers after Steve Smith controversy – thinking of leaving in the middle of BBL?
