The Babar Azam Steve Smith BBL partnership has been the biggest talking point of the 2025-26 season, but not always for the right reasons. However, a beautiful moment during Sunday’s knockout clash has finally put rumors of a rift to rest.
Cricket fans in the UAE and across the Middle East were treated to a display of true sportsmanship at the Gabba. Despite a week filled with headlines about “disrespect” and “strike-denial,” Babar Azam showed why he is known as a gentleman of the game by consoling Steve Smith after a rare mistake on the field.
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The Dropped Catch and the Viral Reaction
During the high-stakes virtual knockout match between the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat, the Babar Azam- Steve Smith BBL dynamic took a positive turn in the fifth over. Australian legend Steve Smith, usually a safe pair of hands, dropped a difficult chance at backward point.
While the crowd groaned at the missed opportunity, Babar Azam, fielding at cover, did something unexpected. Instead of showing frustration, Babar rushed to Smith, giving him a high-five and a reassuring pat on the back. This BBL cricket sportsmanship moment immediately went viral, proving that the two superstars have moved past their recent tactical disagreements.
Understanding the Previous Conflict
To appreciate this Babar Azam- Steve Smith BBL gesture, one must look back at the drama from the previous Friday. During the Sydney Derby, Smith denied Babar a single in the 11th over to ensure he kept the strike for the ‘Power Surge.’
- Tactical Move: Smith wanted to target the short boundary himself.
- The Result: Smith smashed 32 runs in the following over, a BBL record.
- Babar’s Anger: The Pakistani maestro was visibly upset, hitting his bat on the boundary cushions after his dismissal in the next over.
- Media Storm: Reports suggested Babar felt “disrespected” by the move, causing a massive divide among fans on social media.
BBL Cricket Sportsmanship: Leading by Example
Sunday’s interaction proved that the Babar Azam- Steve Smith BBL relationship is built on professional respect. While Babar has struggled for form this season—scoring 202 runs in 10 matches,his character remain world-class.
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Key Takeaways from the Match
- The Moment: Babar Azam high-fived and consoled Steve Smith after a dropped catch in the 5th over.
- The Backdrop: This followed a heated incident where Smith refused Babar a single during the ‘Power Surge.’
- The Performance: Steve Smith remains the Sixers’ most explosive batter, while Babar provides the calm at the top.
- The Impact: This BBL cricket sportsmanship display has softened the stance of angry fans who previously spammed Smith’s social media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened between Babar Azam and Steve Smith in the BBL? Initially, there was tension when Smith denied Babar a single to take the strike for the Power Surge. However, the Babar Azam Steve Smith BBL drama ended when Babar consoled Smith during a fielding mishap against Brisbane Heat.
Why was Babar Azam angry during the Sydney Derby? Babar was unhappy because Smith tactically refused a run, making Babar feel his batting skills were being undermined. Babar was seen hitting his bat in frustration after getting out shortly after.
Is there still a rift in the Sydney Sixers camp? No, both players have clarified that the decision was tactical. The recent BBL cricket sportsmanship shown by Babar confirms they are on good terms.
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