Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis gave Sydney Sixers batter Babar Azam a savage send-off, adding more heat to the moment during the 27th Match of the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on January 8.
Stoinis bowled a full and straight delivery aimed right at the stumps in the seventh over. The ball moved slightly back in after pitching. Babar stepped forward and tried to play across the line, but he closed the bat face too early. Because of that, the bat missed the ball completely.
Savage Celebration in BBL 2025-26: Marcus Stoinis vs Babar Azam at the MCG
The ball went on to hit him on the pads in line with the stumps. Stoinis appealed loudly, and the umpire immediately raised a finger. The Pakistani batter had a quick discussion with his Sydney Sixers batting partner Philippe about taking a review, but he decided not to challenge the on-field umpire’s decision after thinking it through.
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As Babar walked back to the dugout, Stoinis aggressively celebrated the massive breakthrough, with the Pakistani star managing only 14 runs off 17 deliveries in the ongoing BBL 2025-26 clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Stoinis said, “See you later Babar! See you later, brother!”
Marcus Stoinis removes Babar Azam, and doesn’t he love that 👀 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/eyAAOhIRsH
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 8, 2026
Babar Azam’s tough BBL 2025-26 run
With this poor dismissal, Babar Azam’s struggles in the BBL 2025-26 continue. In seven innings, the right-handed batter has managed only 145 runs, with just two half-centuries. An average of 24.16 and a slow strike rate of 108.20 highlight a season far below Babar’s usual standards.
Slower ball trap ends Josh Philippe’s fight as Melbourne Stars on top
Later, Haris Rauf bowled a slower ball on the middle stump to Josh Philippe. The Australian star tried to hit the ball over long-on for a big shot, but the bat twisted in his hands at the moment of contact, and the ball did not go where he wanted.
Instead of going straight, the ball went slightly to the right of long-on, and Thomas Rogers ran across quickly, slid on the ground, and took a clean catch in a big moment for the Melbourne Stars, as Philippe was dismissed for 35 runs off 25 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.
Defending the paltry target of 128 runs, Melbourne Stars had a great start, as Peter Siddle dismissed Moises Henriques lbw, and then Babar Azam and Josh Philippe could not also make a big impact. The captain Stoinis is on fire, as Sam Curran became his second victim in the 13th over.
Sydney Sixers hold edge after bowling Stars out for 128
At the time of writing, the Sydney Sixers need 37 runs in 42 balls to win the BBL 2025-26 clash against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG. Earlier, after being asked to bat first, the Stars could manage only 128 runs thanks to collective efforts from Sam Harper (21), Thomas Rogers (23), Stoinis (33), and Blake Macdonald (33) against the Sixers in the Big Bash League clash.
Ben Dwarshuis (4/13) and Jack Edwards (3/27) were outstanding with the ball for the Sydney Sixers, while Joel Davies also chipped in with two wickets against the Stars in Melbourne. This match is equally important for both teams to boost their chances for the playoffs.
