Following a moment of visible frustration during a Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder, Steve Smith has addressed concerns about a potential rift with teammate Babar Azam. The incident occurred during the Sixers' record-breaking chase at the SCG on Friday, when Smith denied Azam a single in the 11th over.
The decision to deny the single was a tactical one, with Smith aiming to retain strike for the Power Surge overs. Smith had communicated his intentions to the team, stating that he wanted to target the short boundary. Speaking to Channel 7 after the match, Smith explained, "We spoke at the ten-over mark, and they [the captain and coach] said take the surge straightaway. I was like, 'Nah, give it one over. I want to hit to the short boundary".
Smith's gamble paid off spectacularly. In the following over, he unleashed a barrage of strokes against Ryan Hadley, hitting four consecutive sixes and a four in a 32-run over, which became the most expensive over in BBL history. Despite Smith's success, Azam appeared visibly unhappy with the decision. Reports even emerged that Azam felt "disrespected" and isolated himself in the change rooms after being dismissed.
However, Smith has downplayed any lingering tension between the two. Ahead of Sunday evening's clash with the Heat, Smith clarified the situation, stating, "Nah, he's good, we were chatting before so yeah I thought he batted really nice the other night". He acknowledged that Azam might not have been pleased with the initial decision, admitting, "I'm not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single though".
The pair had a dominant 141-run opening partnership. Smith scored a blistering 100 off 41 balls, which featured 5 fours and 9 sixes. Azam contributed a composed 47 off 39 balls. Despite the apparent disagreement, Smith lauded Azam's performance, highlighting his valuable contribution to the team's success. Former Sixer Steve O'Keefe supported Smith's decision, noting Azam's lack of power hitting. "He's (Babar) not a big power hitter – that was evident when Steve Smith knocked him back in the power surge," O'Keefe said on Fox Cricket. He added, "This guy hits the ball better than anyone through the off side. I'm sure he looked disappointed… Steve Smith knocked him back for that single".
The Sydney Sixers ultimately won the match by five wickets, with Smith's century being the catalyst. Smith's record-breaking innings overshadowed David Warner's unbeaten 110 for the Sydney Thunder.
