Steve Smith delivers cold response to legend teammate’s BBL meltdown

Contributor
Peter Maniaty
Steve Smith delivers cold response to legend teammate’s BBL meltdown image

Friday night’s BBL clash between the Sixers and Thunder was just the second time international legends Steve Smith and Babar Azam have ever played on the same team.

It’s fair to say there have been a few teething problems with several awkward moments clouding the Sixers’ five-wicket victory at the SCG.

Opening together, both men were in the runs with Smith racking up a stunning 41-ball hundred including five fours and nine sixes, with one 107-metre blow smashing into the Brewongle Stand roof.

But there was drama as the Sixers prepared to take the power surge in the 11th over, as Smith refused an easy single to Babar in order to keep the strike, much to the Pakistan legend’s annoyance.

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Smith quickly vindicated his decision by smashing 32 runs off the following over—including four consecutive sixes—but when Babar was bowled by Nathan McAndrew for 47 off the next ball he faced, it triggered a wave of frustration from the 31-year-old import who lashed out at the boundary line as he walked off.

‘Not sure Babar was too happy’

In commentary for Fox Cricket, former Sixers star Brad Haddin supported Smith’s decision to refuse the single, despite the clear embarrassment it caused Babar.

“That was a smart tactical move by Steve Smith,” Haddin said.

“Babar shouldn’t be upset, Steve Smith wants the opportunity to go at the small boundary.”

After the match Smith did his best to downplay the moment.

“It was a good result (the power surge), but not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single,” he said with a grin.

Earlier during the Sydney Thunder innings, Steve Smith had been left just as perplexed by Babar’s actions in the field when a straight drive from Nick Maddison passed between the two players for four in the 16th over, with Babar making no effort to dive for the ball.

Despite it all the Sixers won the match by five wickets with more than two overs to spare, and now face the Brisbane Heat in a winner-takes-all final day showdown at the Gabba on Sunday.