Babar Azam's BBL Struggles Deepen With Another Early Exit
Babar Azam's challenging 2025-26 Big Bash League campaign showed no improvement on Sunday. The Pakistan batting star recorded another low score during Sydney Sixers' crucial must-win clash against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.
Another Disappointing Innings for Babar
Opening the batting alongside Steve Smith once again, Babar faced immediate difficulties while chasing Brisbane Heat's target of 172 runs. The pitch offered early movement, and Babar appeared to lack both rhythm and confidence throughout his brief stay at the crease.
He managed just one run from seven deliveries before edging Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett in the second over. This early dismissal perfectly captured his tournament struggles so far.
Controversy From Previous Match Lingers
This innings followed controversy from Sixers' previous match against Sydney Thunder. Despite the team winning by five wickets, Babar's approach at the top of the order drew criticism from some quarters.
In that game, Steve Smith dominated with a spectacular 41-ball century as the opening pair added 141 runs together. Babar scored 47 runs from 39 balls, but his strike rate became a major talking point afterward.
Tension became visible during their partnership when Smith declined a single in the 11th over. This happened after Babar played three consecutive dot balls. Smith wanted to take charge during the Power Surge, and his decision paid off dramatically.
He smashed 32 runs off Ryan Hadley in the very next over, setting a new league record for most runs in a single over across the BBL's fifteen-year history. Babar appeared visibly unhappy at the time.
After getting dismissed on the next ball he faced, Babar walked back angrily and struck the boundary cushion with his bat in frustration.
Worrying Tournament Statistics
Sunday's failure did nothing to strengthen Babar's position in the team. His tournament numbers paint a concerning picture for the usually prolific batsman.
From ten matches so far, he has scored 202 runs at an average of 25.26. His strike rate stands at 104.12. Among batters who have faced at least 100 balls this season, only Cameron Bancroft and Mohammad Rizwan have scored at a slower pace.
Sixers Secure Victory Despite Babar's Struggles
Despite Babar's ongoing difficulties, Sydney Sixers managed to secure an important victory. Brisbane Heat posted 171 for 9 after being sent in to bat first.
Nathan McSweeney top-scored with an unbeaten 69 runs from 54 balls for the Heat. Mitchell Starc led Sydney's bowling attack with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Sam Curran contributed two important wickets.
During the chase, Steve Smith steadied the innings with 54 runs from 40 balls. Sam Curran then produced a match-winning performance, scoring an unbeaten 53 from just 27 deliveries.
The Sixers reached their target in 18.4 overs, securing a five-wicket victory. Currightfully earned Player of the Match honors for his outstanding all-round contribution.
What Comes Next for Sixers and Babar
This victory booked Sydney Sixers a place in the first qualifier against Perth Scorchers. That crucial match will take place at Perth Stadium on January 20.
For Babar Azam, however, questions about his form and tempo in the Big Bash League continue to multiply. The talented batsman will need to find answers quickly as the tournament reaches its business end.
