BBL 2025-26: Sydney Sixers Make Playoffs, but Babar Azam’s Struggles Continue with 1-Run Dismissal

Brisbane: In a crucial Big Bash League 2025-26 clash, the Sydney Sixers secured a 5-wicket win over Brisbane Heat, guaranteeing their place in the playoffs. However, despite the team’s victory, Pakistan star Babar Azam’s ongoing poor form remained a concern for the Sixers’ management.

Babar Falls Early at The Gabba
Chasing a challenging 172-run target, the Sixers looked to their opening duo, Steve Smith and Babar Azam, for a solid start. While Smith coped well with the conditions, Babar struggled against the helpful pitch. He faced 7 balls, scoring just 1 run, before edging a delivery from Xavier Bartlett behind the stumps. This dismissal added to Babar’s disappointing season, highlighting ongoing concerns about his batting approach and strike rate.

Pressure from Smith and Strike Rate Woes
Babar’s failure came on the heels of a controversy in the previous match against Sydney Thunder. In that game, Smith scored a rapid 100 off 41 balls, while Babar struggled with 47 runs off 39 balls. Tensions arose when Smith refused a single during a power surge attempt, frustrating Babar, who expressed his disappointment after being dismissed.

Babar’s numbers this season are worrying: in 10 matches, he has scored just 202 runs at an average of 25.26 with a strike rate of 104.12. Among batsmen who faced at least 100 balls in the tournament, only Mohammad Rizwan and Cameron Bancroft have had slower strike rates than him.

Smith and Sam Curran Lead Sixers to Victory
Despite Babar’s struggles, the rest of the Sixers stepped up. Brisbane Heat posted 171 runs for 9 wickets, powered by Nathan McSweeney’s unbeaten 69. Sydney’s Mitchell Starc took 4 wickets, while Sam Curran claimed 2.

In response, Steve Smith’s 54 off 40 balls laid the foundation, followed by Sam Curran’s explosive 53* off 27 balls, turning the match in Sydney’s favor. The Sixers reached their target in 18.4 overs, with Curran earning Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance.

While Sydney Sixers celebrate their playoff berth, Babar Azam’s season-long slump remains a key talking point, raising questions about his form ahead of crucial matches.