Babar Azam and Steve Smith lit up the Sydney derby in the 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL 15) with a commanding 141 run opening stand that powered the Sydney Sixers while chasing a target of 190.
After Thunder posted 189 for 6 in 20 overs Smith and Babar came out with clear intent but played contrasting roles. Smith went into attack mode from the start and tore into the bowling with a blistering 100 off 41 balls.
His innings featured 5 fours and 9 sixes including a record breaking over in which he struck 4 consecutive sixes and a boundary to take 32 runs off the over which is the most in BBL history.
Babar anchored the chase with a calm and calculated knock scoring 47 off 39 balls with 7 fours. He rotated the strike effectively and ensured the partnership kept momentum as the Sixers crossed 100 runs inside 10 overs. The Pakistan batter fell just short of what would have been his third match defining fifty of the season.
Earlier David Warner had set the stage for Thunder with a dominant unbeaten 110 off 65 deliveries that included 11 fours and four sixes helping his side reach a competitive total. But the Sixers opening pair made the chase look straightforward with a partnership that ultimately decided the derby.
