All eyes are on the Sydney Sixers as they lock in their squad for their do-or-die Big Bash League 2025-26 clash against the Brisbane Heat, with one decision grabbing immediate attention. And that was Babar Azam’s spot in the squad for the crucial BBL 2025-26 game despite his slow batting.
Sydney Sixers back Babar Azam for do-or-die BBL 2025-26 clash against Brisbane Heat
The Sydney Sixers have kept faith in Pakistan star Babar Azam, retaining him in their 14-player squad for the must-win match at the Gabba on Sunday (January 18), as they aim for the second-place finish on the BBL 2025-26 points table.
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However, Babar’s selection turned heads following the controversy involving Steve Smith apart from his numbers in the ongoing Big Bash League season. On January 16, tension flared on the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as Babar and Smith clashed during a tense moment against Sydney Thunder.
The incident happened during the “Power Surge” phase. After three dot balls from Chris Green, Babar tried to push the final delivery toward long-on for a simple single.
Babar Azam-Steve Smith controversy and Pakistan star’s form
Instead of running, Steve Smith, positioned at the non-striker’s end, asked Babar to stay at his crease, stranded in the middle of the pitch, as the Australian star wanted to make the most of the “Power Surge” phase.
The move left Babar visibly frustrated; that quickly caught the attention of fans and commentators. Despite the tension at the SCG, the Sixers have retained their opening pair for their must-win BBL clash against the Heat, which highlights that everything is settled between the two batting stars.
Speaking about his form, Azam’s debut Big Bash League season has been a mixed experience so far. In nine innings, the right-handed batter has amassed only 201 runs at an average of 28 and a strike rate of around 107.8. He has shown glimpses of his class with two half-centuries.
Meanwhile, the Sixers’ upcoming match against Head also promises a star-studded showdown between Australian Test icons. Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith will be once again seen in the magenta jersey, setting up mouthwatering battles against their Australian teammates on the Brisbane Heat side at The Gabba.
Australian stars like Michael Neser, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja will be in action for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL 2025-26 clash, which has only raised the stakes even higher.
While the Sixers will enter the do-or-die clash on the back of their thrilling five-wicket win over the Thunder, the Heat will aim for a hat trick of wins after winning back-to-back games in their previous encounters in the tournament. They are currently fifth on the points table with 10 points from 9 games.
On the other hand, the Sixers are the fourth-ranked side on the table with 11 points from 9 games. So, the Gabba clash will decide both teams’ fate in the tournament. A win on Sunday will take the side to the playoffs, as Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, and Melbourne Stars have all but confirmed their berths.
Sydney Sixers Squad for BBL 15 clash vs Brisbane Heat:
Moises Henriques (C), Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Sam Curran, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Josh Philippe, Lachlan Shaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
