In a heated Big Bash League (BBL) encounter on Thursday, Australia's Marcus Stoinis delivered a fiery send-off to Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam after dismissing him during the match between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers. Stoinis, captaining the Stars, had earlier been dismissed for 33 runs in the first innings when he chipped the ball to Babar at cover. He got his revenge in the second innings, bowling a fuller delivery that Babar attempted to flick but missed, resulting in the ball striking his pad. The umpire raised his finger for LBW, and Babar, after a brief chat with non-striker Josh Philippe, chose not to review the decision.

The dismissal came when Babar was on 14 runs. As the umpire's finger went up, Stoinis erupted in animated celebration, turning toward the departing batter with an intense and fiery send-off that quickly went viral on social media. The moment added extra spice to what was already a high-profile clash, given Babar's status as one of the biggest overseas signings in BBL history this season. The incident underscored the competitive edge in franchise cricket, where international rivalries often spill over into domestic leagues.

Sydney Sixers ultimately emerged victorious, chasing down the target to win by six wickets and securing a strong result in the ongoing BBL campaign. Babar Azam, the former Pakistan captain, was signed by the Sixers for the current season, bringing his vast experience and pedigree to the competition. With over 15,000 international runs across formats, including more than 11,000 in T20 cricket, Babar has long been regarded as one of the most consistent and stylish batters in the modern game. He holds records such as the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (in 97 innings) and was named ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year in 2022.

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Stoinis' animated reaction, while spirited, is not uncommon in the fast-paced world of T20 franchise cricket, where emotions often run high. Babar, known for his calm and composed demeanor, walked off without protest, maintaining his characteristic professionalism. The exchange between the two players has since become a talking point among fans, highlighting the intensity of BBL contests that feature some of the world's top talent.

The BBL continues to serve as a global showcase for international stars like Babar Azam, who brings his leadership experience—having captained Pakistan across formats from 2019 to 2024—and proven T20 expertise to the competition. Despite the early dismissal, his presence has already elevated the league's profile this season. As the tournament progresses, such fiery on-field moments are expected to keep audiences engaged.

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