In a dramatic moment during the Big Bash League (BBL) Sydney derby between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, Pakistan batting star Babar Azam drew widespread attention for his visible frustration after being denied a single by teammate Steve Smith, a decision that preceded Azam’s dismissal and sparked debate among fans and commentators.
What really happened?
The tense moment unfolded during the chase of a competitive total of 190, when Azam, looking to rotate the strike, was effectively blocked from taking a run by Smith at the non-striker’s end. Smith wanted to take strike for power surge in the next over and he made full use of it, smashing 32 runs.
However, on the first ball of next over, Babar was dismissed for 47 by Nathan McAndrew, as he walked back to the pavilion in visible displeasure and expressing his frustration by striking the boundary rope with his bat.
Commentary criticism and viral reaction
Former Australian cricketer and commentator Mark Waugh didn’t hold back in his assessment of Azam’s conduct, calling the reaction “not a good look” and stressing that players should maintain composure even in competitive situations. Waugh highlighted that showing visible anger on the field, especially toward a teammate’s decision, can reflect poorly on a player’s temperament and professionalism.
The unusual exchange quickly spread across social media, with highlights of the interaction going viral as fans debated whether Azam’s reaction was justified. Some viewers sympathised with the batter’s competitive nature, while others echoed Waugh’s sentiment that such displays of frustration are better kept in check during high-level competition.
Match context and Smith’s response
After Azam’s departure, Smith took full control of the Sixers’ innings, going on to score a dominant century and lead his team to a convincing five-wicket victory with 16 balls to spare. The contrasting fortunes of the two batters further amplified the spotlight on the earlier incident.
While such emotional reactions are not uncommon in intense T20 encounters, the episode served as a reminder of the fine line between passion and professionalism, and how quickly on-field behaviour can become a talking point beyond the match itself.
