Australian cricketers have been making a mockery of Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam during the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26). First, it was Chris Green, and then Steve Smith; they humiliated Babar Azam during the same live match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on Friday, January 16.
Australian stars target Babar Azam as on-field mockery erupts at SCG
Drama took center stage during the BBL 2025-26 clash between the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder at the SCG, where Babar found himself at the heart of on-field mockery and pressure tactics by the Australian stars. However, it was Green who started the things.
The moment unfolded during the fifth over of the Sydney Sixers’ chase against the Sydney Thunder at the SCG. Aidan O’Connor was bowling, Babar was on 22 from 13 balls, and he was struggling for big hits. At that point, the Sydney Thunder spinner declared the former Pakistan captain a T20 liability.
Babar Azam called a T20 liability as Chris Green’s strategy goes viral in the BBL 2025-26 clash
Green was heard openly discussing a plan to keep Babar on strike for as long as possible. The Australian star has openly suggested that the right-handed batter is not a natural T20 attacker.
The idea was to force Babar to attack early and waste as many balls as possible and stop Steve Smith from getting the strike. The comment quickly went viral on social media, and many felt it was disrespectful and humiliating for the former Pakistan captain.
Chris Green was heard saying in the viral clip, “Let him (Babar Azam) face as many balls as possible up front. He likes to sort of ease his way into things and then play catch-up, so try and force him to hit and starve Smudger (Steve Smith).”
Chris green admitted that they wanted Babar azam to play maximum balls in power play (PP), so that as usual he wastes the PP
Chris brother, there is no need to be this blunt 😭 pic.twitter.com/WbFVrteQ6P
— Gangadhar (@90_andypycroft) January 16, 2026
Babar silences critics with key role in Sixers’ big chase
Instead of getting affected by the talk, Babar settled down and went on to play a key role in the Sydney Sixers’ successful chase against the Sydney Thunder at the SCG. He stitched a massive 141-run opening partnership with Steve Smith, completely breaking the Thunder’s bowling attack.
Babar played an important role in keeping the scoreboard moving and holding the innings together. While the Pakistan star made 47 runs off 39 balls, Smith hit a 42-ball hundred as the Sixers chased down the 190-run target inside 18 overs with five wickets in hand in the BBL clash.
Read Also: Babar Azam retained by Sydney Sixers for Brisbane Heat clash despite Steve Smith controversy
Awkward moment for Babar Azam before Steve Smith’s brutal assault
However, during the chase, there was another tense moment later in the innings. During the Power Surge phase, which allows the batting team to have only two fielders outside the circle for two overs after the 11th over, Smith left Babar frustrated with his act to stay on strike.
In the 11th over, Smith refused a simple single, and this decision clearly frustrated Babar as he was not trusted for the big hitting in the crucial phase. Even though the moment looked awkward, the move worked perfectly for the Sixers. In the very next over, Smith completely changed the game.
The Australian batting superstar smashed 32 runs off Ryan Hadley, hitting four sixes in a row. It became the most expensive over in Big Bash League history and destroyed any chance the Thunder had of making a comeback. With the win, the Sixers crushed the Thunder’s playoffs hope.
