Steve Smith Denies Single to Babar Azam then Smashes Record 32-Run Over in BBL Thriller

A dramatic moment between Steve Smith and Babar Azam became the biggest talking point of today’s Big Bash League match, as Smith denied his partner a single before producing one of the most destructive overs in BBL history.

The incident occurred during the high-pressure run chase involving the Sydney Sixers, where strategy, timing, and execution combined to create a moment fans will remember for years.

The Moment That Sparked Debate

Midway through the chase, Babar Azam guided the ball into the outfield and called for a quick single to retain strike. However, Steve Smith firmly refused the run, choosing to keep the strike himself for the next over.

The decision visibly frustrated Babar, who was seen expressing his disappointment. The moment quickly caught attention because:

The partnership was well set

Babar had been rotating strike smoothly

The refusal came at a critical stage of the innings

What followed, however, completely changed the narrative.

Smith’s Masterstroke: 32 Runs in One Over

Smith’s refusal wasn’t personal — it was tactical.

With the Power Surge in play and fielding restrictions reduced, Smith backed himself to attack. Facing the next over, he unleashed an extraordinary assault on the bowler:

Multiple towering sixes

Boundaries to all parts of the ground

Exceptional timing and placement

By the end of the over, 32 runs had been added to the scoreboard — one of the most expensive overs in BBL history. The momentum instantly swung in the Sixers’ favor.

What initially appeared to be a controversial decision turned into a match-defining moment.

Steve Smith’s Match-Winning Knock

Smith went on to complete a stunning century, scoring 100 runs off just 42 balls. His innings included:

Clean hitting

Intelligent shot selection

Ruthless exploitation of fielding restrictions

It was a reminder of Smith’s adaptability — traditionally known as a classical batter, yet capable of dominating modern T20 cricket when required.

His knock ensured the Sixers stayed firmly on course for victory, reducing the pressure on the rest of the batting lineup.

Babar Azam’s Role in the Chase

While the spotlight fell on Smith, Babar Azam also played a vital role earlier in the innings. He contributed a composed 47 runs, anchoring the chase and allowing Smith to play freely later.

Babar’s innings featured:

Elegant stroke play

Strong running between the wickets

Stability during the middle overs

Although the strike-refusal moment created tension, there was no visible fallout afterward. Both players remained focused on the team’s objective.

Tactical Cricket in the Modern Era

This incident perfectly highlighted how T20 cricket has evolved. Decisions that may look controversial in the moment are often driven by:

Matchups

Fielding restrictions

Confidence in power-hitting ability

Smith trusted his form and reading of the game — and the result justified his call.

Final Result and Impact

The Sixers comfortably chased down the target, winning the match with overs to spare. Smith was deservedly named Player of the Match, while the partnership between him and Babar laid the foundation for the successful chase.

Beyond the result, the match will be remembered for:

A rare on-field disagreement between star batters

A tactical gamble that paid off spectacularly

One of the most explosive overs in BBL history

Final Thoughts

Cricket is a game of moments — and today’s clash delivered one that combined emotion, strategy, and brilliance. Steve Smith’s refusal to give Babar Azam the strike may have raised eyebrows, but his immediate response with a 32-run over turned criticism into admiration.

For fans, it was drama.

For analysts, it was smart cricket.

For the Sixers, it was a turning point that sealed victory.