Australia batting great Steve Smith has addressed a tense on-field moment with teammate Babar Azam during the Sydney Sixers’ record-breaking chase against Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. The incident, which quickly went viral, occurred despite the duo sharing a dominant opening partnership that laid the foundation for the Sixers’ win.

The moment of friction unfolded in the 11th over when Babar, after facing three dot balls from spinner Chris Green, pushed the final delivery towards long-on for a routine single. Smith, at the non-striker’s end, sent Babar back decisively, choosing to retain the strike. The decision appeared to frustrate the former Pakistan captain, who was seen visibly unhappy as Smith asserted control of the situation.

Smith later revealed that the move was entirely tactical. With the ‘Power Surge’—a two-over phase in the BBL allowing only two fielders outside the circle—approaching, Smith wanted to be on strike to target the shorter boundary. The plan worked to perfection, as he unleashed an extraordinary assault in the following over, hammering Ryan Hadley for four consecutive sixes and a boundary in a 32-run over, the most expensive in BBL history.

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Speaking to Channel 7 after the match, Smith explained the calculated gamble. He said the team management wanted to take the Power Surge immediately, but he opted to wait an extra over to ensure he was better positioned to maximise the scoring opportunity. “Not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single,” Smith admitted, smiling, while acknowledging the risk involved.

Babar’s frustration resurfaced shortly after when he was dismissed for 47 in the 13th over, chopping a delivery from Nathan McAndrew onto his stumps. As he walked back, he was seen striking the boundary cushion with his bat in anger, underlining his disappointment.

Despite the mid-pitch drama, Smith’s brilliance dominated the outcome. He went on to score a blistering century off just 41 balls, guiding the Sixers to a comfortable five-wicket victory and reinforcing his reputation as one of the most destructive batters in the shortest format.

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