Run denied, wicket lost, bat smashed: Babar Azam's angry BBL moment - WATCH

NEW DELHI: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam is known for his calm demeanour at the crease, but an unusual flash of anger stole the spotlight during a Big Bash League (BBL) clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on Friday.

The rare outburst came amid a dramatic run chase that ultimately belonged to Sixers skipper Steve Smith, who produced a record-breaking knock to seal a five-wicket win.Chasing 190, the Sixers were cruising early, but Babar found it difficult to break free in the middle overs. During the 11th over, he faced three consecutive dot balls and then pushed the final delivery into a gap where a comfortable single appeared on offer.

To Babar’s disbelief, non-striker Steve Smith declined the run, leaving the Pakistan batter visibly frustrated.

The decision stunned Babar, who struggled to hide his emotions as the over ended.The Sixers immediately opted for the Power Surge, and Smith made full use of it in emphatic fashion. Ryan Hadley bore the brunt as Smith launched four successive sixes, eventually conceding 32 runs in the over — the most expensive in BBL history. The momentum swung decisively in Sixers’ favour, but Babar’s frustration only deepened moments later.

Facing his first ball after Smith’s explosive over, Babar was outfoxed by Nathan McAndrew and dismissed for 47. Furious while walking back to the pavilion, Babar smashed his bat against the boundary rope, a reaction that drew sharp criticism. Former Australia batter Mark Waugh commented on air, saying, “Wasn't happy, Babar. Not a good look, that. Whatever you are feeling you don't show that.”With Babar gone, Smith completely took charge of the chase.

The Sixers captain brought up a stunning century off just 41 balls, eclipsing David Warner’s earlier heroics. Warner had carried the Thunder innings with an unbeaten 110 off 65 deliveries, powering his side to 189 for 6 after Sixers chose to field first.

Smith’s innings, laced with five fours and nine sixes, not only guided the Sixers home with 16 balls to spare but also saw him create history. The Australian great registered his fourth BBL century, becoming 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 debuting in 2011.A dominant 141-run opening stand between Smith and Babar effectively sealed the contest early, as the Sixers finished the chase in 17.2 overs. With this win, Sydney Sixers moved to fourth on the points table with 11 points from nine matches, keeping their playoff push firmly on track.