A rare fielding lapse from Steve Smith grabbed attention during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 clash between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at The Gabba on Sunday, January 18. Smith dropped a very difficult catch, and Babar Azam was seen checking on him amid the on-field controversy.
On Friday, Smith refused a single offered by Babar in the chase. The Australian batter wanted to take strike at the start of the Power Surge. Babar appeared unhappy with the call, but Smith backed his decision in the next over by smashing a record-breaking 32 runs, including four consecutive sixes, for the Sixers.
Steve Smith Drops Rare Chance as Babar Azam Shows Support
The incident took place on the final ball of the fifth over of the Brisbane Heat innings at The Gabba. Steve Smith dropped a difficult catch at backward point, something not often seen from him.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Nathan McSweeney played a hard cut shot outside off to a back-of-a-length delivery from Sean Abbott. The ball flew quickly towards Smith, who attempted a reverse-cup catch but failed to hold on as the pace caught him by surprise.
McSweeney survived the scare as the chance went down. Soon after, Babar Azam walked up to Smith and gave him a reassuring pat, offering support after the missed catch.
Dropped!
Babar Azam was quick to reach Steve Smith after he dropped a very tough chance at The Gabba. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/U79dwI7OqI
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 18, 2026
Steve Smith Clears the Air After Reports of Tension With Babar Azam
According to a report by CODE Sports, Babar Azam stayed in the dressing room after the match and did not join the post-match proceedings. The report added that Babar felt disrespected by Steve Smith after being denied a single.
It was reported that Sydney Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd stepped in to calm the situation. However, Smith addressed the issue before the Sixers’ match against the Brisbane Heat. Speaking to broadcaster Isa Guha, he said there was no problem between him and Babar.
During the broadcast, visuals showed Smith and Babar chatting during training. Smith said they were talking about golf and added that they enjoyed batting together. He also said both were looking forward to playing again on what he described as a good wicket.
Brisbane Heat Recover Late to Post 171 Despite Starc’s Early Strikes
Brisbane Heat recovered well at the end of their innings to post 171/9 from 20 overs. Sydney Sixers won the toss and chose to bowl first. Mitchell Starc made an immediate impact by dismissing Jack Wildermuth for 1 in the opening over.
Sean Abbott followed up by removing Usman Khawaja for 11 in the second over. Starc struck again in the third over, bowling Matt Renshaw for 0. Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney then added 41 runs before Marnus fell for 18.
Sam Curran kept the pressure on by trapping Bryant lbw for 14. Starc returned during the surge and removed Jimmy Peirson for 1, leaving Brisbane Heat struggling at 96/6 after 14.1 overs. Michael Neser then shifted momentum by smashing 35 off 14 balls, including 28 runs in the surge.
McSweeney finished unbeaten on 69 off 54 balls, pushing the total past 170. Starc ended with figures of 4/35, Curran took 2/37, while Abbott and Davies picked up one wicket each.
Also read: Felt disrespected: Babar Azam breaks silence on Steve Smith BBL controversy
