Bangladesh cricket in turmoil: What does this mean for T20 World Cup?
To Babar’s disbelief, non-striker Steve Smith refused to run out, leaving the Pakistani batting visibly frustrated. This decision stunned Babar, who tried to hide his emotions as the ending ended.The Sixers immediately went for the Power Surge and Smith took full advantage of it in emphatic fashion. Ryan Hadley bore the brunt as Smith hit four consecutive sixes, eventually conceding 32 runs in the over – the most expensive in BBL history. The momentum had definitely swung in the Sixers’ favour, but Babar’s frustration only deepened moments later.Facing his first ball after Smith’s explosive over, Babar was bowled by Nathan McAndrew and dismissed for 47. Enraged, Babar smashed the boundary rope with his bat as he walked back to the pavilion, a reaction that drew sharp criticism. Former Australian batsman Mark Waugh commented on the broadcast saying, “I wasn’t happy, Babar. It doesn’t look good. Whatever you’re feeling, you’re not showing it.”With Babar gone, Smith completely took charge of the chase. The Sixers skipper produced a stunning century off just 41 balls, eclipsing David Warner’s earlier heroics. Warner led the Thunder innings with an unbeaten 110 off 65 deliveries, powering his side to 189 for 6 after the Sixers opted to bat first.Smith’s innings, laced with five fours and nine sixes, not only took the Sixers home off 16 balls but also saw him create history. The Australian great registered his fourth BBL century to become the tournament’s leading centurion. He now has 1,318 runs for the Sixers at an average of 48.81, with four hundreds and eight fifties since his debut in 2011.A dominant 141-run opening stand between Smith and Babar effectively sealed the match early as the Sixers completed the chase in 17.2 overs. With the win, the Sydney Sixers moved up to fourth in the points table with 11 points from nine games and kept their play-off push firmly on track.