Steve Smith Denies Single to Babar Azam in BBL, Sparks On-Field Tension

During a Big Bash League match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, Steve Smith denied teammate Babar Azam a single late in the 11th over to retain strike for the Power Surge, a tactical move that led Smith to score a record 32 runs in that over. Babar appeared visibly frustrated, later getting dismissed and angrily hitting the boundary cushions. The incident sparked debate among fans and former players, with some criticizing the perceived disrespect, while Smith and teammates defended the strategic decision. Earlier, a fielding miscommunication between the pair also drew attention during the match.