Babar Azam humiliated, Rizwan retired, Afridi pulled out mid-over: Netizens mock Pakistan premium players’ performance in BBL
Babar collapsed with anger
Known for his balanced batting style, Babar Azam found himself in the limelight during Friday’s match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Chasing 190, the Sixers had a good early position but Babar struggled to convert the strike in the middle overs.
In the 11th over, after three dot balls, Babar pushed into the gap in the last over and looked set for a single. non-striker Steve Smith He refused the race, leaving Babar visibly upset. The cameras captured his disappointment in the match that ended, a rare sight for the Pakistan batsman.
Steve Smith hits four sixes after Babar incident
Following Babar’s dismissal, Steve Smith took full control of the chase. The Sixers skipper eclipsed David Warner’s earlier efforts for the Thunder by completing a century off just 41 balls.
Warner had earlier scored an unbeaten 110 off 65 balls, taking Sydney Thunder to 189 off 6 balls after the Sixers elected to field first.
The Sixers immediately chose Power Surge. Steve Smith took full advantage by hitting four consecutive sixes to Ryan Hadley. The overcosted 32 runs are the most expensive runs in Big Bash League history.
Babar’s night soon turned sour. Facing his first ball after Smith’s charge, he was bowled by Nathan McAndrew and dismissed for 47.
Babar’s batting sparked outrage online
As Babar walked towards the mansion, he angrily hit the boundary rope with his stick. The moment drew immediate criticism.
Former Australian batsman Mark Waugh reacted live on air: “I wasn’t happy Babar. That’s not a good look at all. You don’t show what you feel.”
On social media, fans compared the reaction to Babar’s usually calm image with several posts mocking the composure of a top international player.
Rizwan and Afridi add to Pakistan’s woes
Babar’s moment was not the only setback for Pakistani players in the BBL. While Mohammad Rizwan’s innings ended quietly, Shaheen Afridi added to online criticism by withdrawing midway through another match.
Rizwan Retired middle innings
Mohammad Rizwan was retired by Melbourne Renegades against Sydney Thunder. Rizwan struggled as he bowled 26 off 23 balls before Renegades pulled the plug. The Pakistan wicketkeeper became the first overseas player to be recalled mid-innings in the Big Bash League.
Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew midway through
In the match against Melbourne Renegades, Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled two waist-high no-balls, which resulted in the bowling being postponed in the later stages of the match. Nathan McSweeny completed Afridi’s last over. Pakistan in spell of over 2.4 overs prime minister The 25-year-old fast bowler conceded 43 runs without a wicket.
