Babar Azam and Steve Smith opened the batting together for Sydney Sixers in a rain-affected BBL match

The Big Bash League witnessed a rare and much-talked-about moment on 11 January 2026, when Babar Azam and Steve Smith walked out together to open the batting for the Sydney Sixers against the Hobart Hurricanes. Cricket fans around the world tuned in to watch two modern greats share the crease, but the contest was ultimately shaped — and cut short — by persistent rain.

Match Overview

The match was played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, where overcast conditions loomed from the start. Sydney Sixers won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to exploit the powerplay with a strong opening stand.

The excitement was immediate as Babar Azam and Steve Smith strode out together — a combination rarely seen in franchise cricket. However, after just five overs, heavy rain forced play to stop. Despite multiple inspections, conditions did not improve, and the match was eventually abandoned, with both teams sharing one point each.

At the time of interruption, Sydney Sixers were 32 without loss, showing early promise.

Opening Partnership: How It Unfolded

Steve Smith’s Start

Steve Smith looked fluent and in complete control from the outset. He attacked loose deliveries and rotated the strike effortlessly.

Runs: 19

Balls: 16

Fours: 4

Sixes: 1

Strike Rate: 118.75

Smith’s intent was clear — dominate early and put the bowlers under pressure before the pitch slowed.

Babar Azam’s Innings

Babar Azam, batting at the other end, took a more watchful approach. Facing a tight new-ball spell, he focused on timing rather than power.

Runs: 9

Balls: 14

Fours: 1

Sixes: 0

Strike Rate: 64.29

While Babar didn’t find his usual rhythm, his presence allowed Smith to play freely, and the partnership looked set to grow before rain intervened.

Why This Partnership Mattered

Seeing Babar Azam and Steve Smith opening together was significant for several reasons:

It symbolized the global nature of the Big Bash League, where elite players from different cricketing cultures combine.

Both are known for their strong technique and ability to anchor an innings, making their pairing tactically intriguing.

Fans had waited eagerly to see how Babar would adapt at the top alongside an experienced Australian batter like Smith.

Even in a brief window, the combination showed balance — aggression from Smith and stability from Babar.

Season Context

Babar Azam in the BBL

This season marks Babar Azam’s first full Big Bash League campaign. While adapting to Australian conditions and the fast pace of T20 cricket, he has delivered mixed performances. Prior to this match, Babar had scored over 150 runs in the season, including two half-centuries, both coming in crucial games for his side.

His challenge has been consistency, but his class and composure have remained evident.

Steve Smith’s Return

Steve Smith returned to the Big Bash after international duties and made an instant impact. His confidence at the crease and familiarity with local conditions made him a natural leader at the top of the order.

Impact of the Abandonment

The abandoned match had different implications for both teams:

Hobart Hurricanes benefited significantly, as the shared point helped them secure qualification for the BBL playoffs.

Sydney Sixers missed an opportunity to push for a stronger position on the points table, especially after a solid start with the bat.

Weather, once again, proved to be an uncontrollable but decisive factor in the tournament.

Reactions and Takeaways

Despite the disappointment of a shortened game, fans celebrated the sight of Babar Azam and Steve Smith batting together. Social media buzzed with praise for the partnership, with many calling it one of the most technically sound opening pairs seen this season.

Teammates also acknowledged Babar’s impact in the dressing room, highlighting his calm presence and work ethic, even when runs haven’t flowed freely.

Final Thoughts

While the rain denied cricket lovers a full contest, the moment itself was special. Babar Azam and Steve Smith opening together remains one of the standout visuals of this Big Bash League season. It was a reminder of why the BBL continues to attract global attention — bringing world-class players together to create moments that linger beyond the scorecard.

Fans will now hope for clearer skies and another chance to watch this star pairing build a memorable innings in the matches to come.