Pakistan Stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Struggle in BBL 2026
The Big Bash League 2026 promised a grand stage for Pakistan's top batting talents to shine in T20 cricket. Instead, the tournament has cast an uncomfortable spotlight on their performances. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan now find themselves at the top of a list no batter wants to lead. They are officially the slowest batters this season among players who have faced at least 120 deliveries.
Strike Rate Woes Highlight Slow Scoring
Rizwan currently heads the list with a strike rate of just 102.74. Babar follows closely behind at 107.48. In a league built on explosive hitting and relentless aggression, these numbers stand out for all the wrong reasons. Young batter Konstas trails with 110.21, while Australia's Tom Rogers sits at 127.50. The gap between the Pakistan stars and their peers is stark and telling.
Babar's Frustrating Night at the SCG
Babar's struggles became painfully clear during the Sydney Sixers' clash against Sydney Thunder at the SCG. A key moment involved his teammate Steve Smith. Ahead of the Power Surge, Smith refused a simple single to keep the strike. Babar was left stranded mid-pitch on 47, visibly furious at the decision.
Smith's move paid off dramatically. He unleashed a stunning counterattack, smashing 32 runs in the next over. That over became the highest-scoring over in BBL history. Babar's night ended soon after. Trying to accelerate, he was bowled by Daniel McAndrew off an inside edge. Walking off the pitch, he slammed the boundary cushions with his bat in frustration.
His innings of 47 came off 39 balls, including seven fours. While the score looked decent on paper, the slow tempo raised serious questions about his approach in the fast-paced format.
Rizwan's Unprecedented Exit
Rizwan's situation was even more dramatic. Playing for Melbourne Renegades against Sydney Thunder, he struggled to find momentum. He scored 26 runs off 23 balls, failing to accelerate as the innings slipped away. In a bold and unprecedented move, the Renegades management made a tough call.
Rizwan was retired out. This marked a first in BBL history. No overseas player had ever faced this fate before. Captain Will Sutherland replaced him at the crease, highlighting the team's desperation for faster scoring.
Growing Pressure on Star Batters
The Big Bash League demands high strike rates and quick scoring. Babar and Rizwan's performances have fallen short of these expectations. Their slow scoring has not only hurt their teams but also drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike.
As the tournament progresses, both players face mounting pressure to improve their strike rates. They need to adapt quickly to the aggressive demands of T20 cricket. The spotlight on them shows no signs of fading. Their response in upcoming matches will be crucial for their teams and their own reputations.
