Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s problems in the ongoing Big Bash League persist as he again failed to make any meaningful contribution for Sydney Sixers today in a crucial must win game against Brisbane Heat.
In a high stakes game at Brisbane, the Heat set a tough target to chase by making 171/9 runs in 20 overs. Brisbane’s innings were led by a massive 69 by Nathan McSweeney and a searing 35 off 14 of Michael Neser in the middle overs, which provided the home side a defendable number.
Chasing the Sixers looked to their senior stars for stability. Steve Smith (fresh off a sensational century earlier in the week against Sydney Thunder) again put his bat to good use.
The former Australian captain played 54 off 40 balls with a clockwork finish with five boundaries, anchoring the chase with the useful contributions of Sam Curran (53 off 27).
In contrast, Babar Azam has performed poorly, making only one run from seven deliveries before succumbing to Heat pacer Xavier Bartlett, leaving fans and pundits frustrated by the Pakistan star’s inability to adapt to the pace and intensity of the BBL yet again.
Despite the loss of Azam’s wicket in the early sanctions of the match, Smith’s experience and Curran’s scoring prowess carried the Sixers to victory by five-wicket victory with eight balls to spare and kept their hopes intact.
The performance is yet another in a pattern of inconsistency from Babar this season, as debates discuss about his role in T20 leagues. Meanwhile, Smith’s performances continue to be one of the defining stories of this BBL edition which strengthens his value as a match-winner in Australia’s premier T20 competition.
Also read: Thunder vs Sixers: Can Babar Azam lead Sixers to victory?
