Steve Smith stars as Sixers clinch Sydney Derby win; Babar Azam’s frustration in spotlight

Steve Smith produced a match-winning performance to guide the Sydney Sixers to a commanding victory over the Sydney Thunder in a high-voltage Big Bash League derby, overshadowing a tense moment involving his opening partner Babar Azam.

Chasing a challenging target of 190, the Sixers’ innings featured early drama as Smith and Babar were involved in a brief fielding miscommunication that resulted in a boundary. The confusion continued during their opening stand, though it did little to disrupt the Sixers’ progress initially.

Babar struggled to find boundaries during the chase and came under pressure in the 11th over, playing three consecutive dot balls. On the final delivery of the over, he pushed the ball into a gap where a quick single was available, but Smith, at the non-striker’s end, declined the run. Babar appeared visibly surprised by the decision.

The turning point came immediately after, as the Sixers opted for the Power Surge. Smith capitalised in emphatic fashion, launching Ryan Hadley for four consecutive sixes at the start of the over. He went on to collect 32 runs from it, making it the most expensive over in Big Bash League history.

Babar’s frustration deepened moments later. Facing Nathan McAndrew, he was dismissed on the very next ball he faced for 47. The Pakistan batter showed his anger on the walk back to the pavilion, striking the boundary rope with his bat. Commentator Mark Waugh criticised the reaction on air, calling it “not a good look.”

Following Babar’s dismissal, Smith assumed complete control of the chase. The Sixers captain brought up a stunning century off just 41 balls, steering his side to a five-wicket win with 16 balls remaining.

Earlier, David Warner had powered the Thunder to a competitive 189 for 6 with an unbeaten 110 from 58 deliveries. However, Smith’s fearless strokeplay and clean ball-striking proved decisive, as his innings ultimately eclipsed Warner’s effort and sealed a dominant derby win for the Sixers.