Sydney crowd boo Babar Azam as Pakistan star flops again in Big Bash League 2025-26

Published - 17 Dec 2025, 22:59 IST | Updated - 17 Dec 2025, 23:10 IST

Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam’s struggles in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 continued on Wednesday night, as another low score added to his growing list of disappointments. Playing for the Sydney Sixers against the Adelaide Strikers, Babar was dismissed for just nine runs, a moment that triggered loud boos from sections of the home crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The right-handed batter arrived in Australia as one of the marquee overseas signings for the Sydney Sixers, with the tournament seen as a crucial platform to regain confidence and push his case ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the campaign has so far from expectations. After opening his BBL season with a dismal score of two against the Perth Scorchers, his poor run continued in the second game, registering another single-digit score.

Against the Adelaide Strikers, Babar hit a boundary off the second ball he faced. However, struggling to rotate the strike, the batter attempted a short-arm jab off Luke Wood, only to hit the ball straight to Matthew Short, who completed a simple catch.

As Babar walked back to the pavilion after scoring 9 off 10 deliveries, loud boos were heard around the stadium. While it remains unclear whether the jeers were aimed directly at Babar or were part of the crowd reacting to the Strikers’ celebration.

Luke Wood gets the BIG wicket of Babar Azam!The No.2 pick in the #BBL15 Draft has his first breakthrough for the Adelaide Strikers.

Sydney Sixers eventually posted 159/9 in their 20 overs, with Josh Philippe top-scoring with 46 off 28 balls and Jack Edwards contributing 32. Luke Wood (3/26) and Jamie Overton (2/22) led a disciplined bowling effort for Adelaide.

In reply, the Strikers lost wickets regularly but held their nerve to chase down the target in 19.2 overs. Liam Scott anchored the innings with a 51, while Jamie Overton added 30 to finish off an impressive all-round performance, earning him the Player of the Match award.