Babar Azam’s struggles in the 2025-26 Big Bash League season showed no signs of slowing as the Pakistan star endured another poor return in Sydney Sixers’ must-win game against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Sunday, January 18. Babar, who was once again the opening batsman alongside Steve Smith, struggled from the beginning as he chased the target of 172. He appeared to lack rhythm and confidence on a fast-moving surface, scoring just one run from seven deliveries, beating Australia’s speedy Xavier Bartlett in his second over. It was another early exit that summed up his tournament so far.
The innings came in the shadow of controversy over the Sixers’ previous game against Sydney Thunder, where Babar’s approach at the top drew criticism, even though the team won by five wickets. In that match, Smith added 141 balls for his first wicket, paving the way for a 41-ball century. However, Babar scored 47 runs off 39 balls and his strike rate became a hot topic. Tensions were visible during that partnership when Smith was denied a single in the 11th over after Babar had played three consecutive dot balls. Eager to take control during the power surge, Smith kept the strike and added crucial value in the next over by smashing 32 runs off Ryan Hadley, the most runs scored in a single over in the league’s 15-year history. Babar seemed displeased at the time, and after being sent off on the next ball he faced, he angrily walked back while hitting the boundary cushion with his bat. Sunday’s failure did little to strengthen Babar’s case. His numbers throughout the tournament paint an alarming picture. In 10 games, he scored 202 runs at an average of 25.26 and a strike rate of 104.12. Of the batsmen who have faced at least 100 balls this season, only Cameron Bancroft and Mohammad Rizwan have scored slower. Despite Baber’s struggles, the Sixers got the job done. Brisbane Heat posted 171 for nine after entering the game, with Nathan McSweeney top scoring with an unbeaten 69 off 54 balls. Mitchell Starc led Sydney’s bowling effort with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Sam Curran chipped in with two. In the chase, Steve Smith stabilized the innings with 54 off 40 balls before Sam Curran won the match with an unbeaten 53 off 27 balls. Sixers reached the target in 18.4 overs to seal a five-wicket victory and Curran was named Player of the Match. With this win, Sydney Sixers qualified for the first round against Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium on January 20th. But for Babar Azam, questions about his form and tempo in the Big Bash League continue to mount.