BBL 2025-26: Babar Azam’s Big Bash Struggles Continue as Boos Follow Low Score at SCG

Babar Azam’s tough run in the Big Bash League 2025-26 continued on Sunday as he scored just 9 off 10 balls for Sydney Sixers against Adelaide Strikers at the SCG.

This was Babar’s second straight single-digit score of the season. He had managed only 2 runs in his opening game against Perth Scorchers, raising early concerns around his form.

The Pakistan star was signed as a marquee overseas player, with the BBL expected to help him regain confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. So far, things have not gone to plan.

Babar looked tentative at the crease despite hitting a boundary early in his innings. He struggled to rotate the strike and found it hard to keep the scoreboard moving.

His stay ended when he attempted a short-arm jab off Luke Wood but picked out Matthew Short in the deep. As he walked back, sections of the Sydney crowd were heard booing.

It remains unclear whether the boos were directed at Babar himself or were simply part of the Strikers’ celebration after the wicket. Either way, the moment summed up a difficult night for the Sixers’ big-name signing.

Sydney Sixers went on to post 159 for 9 in their 20 overs. Josh Philippe top-scored with 46, while Jack Edwards added a useful 32 in the middle order.

However, the total was not enough. Adelaide Strikers chased it down in 19.2 overs with a calm and controlled batting effort.

Liam Scott played a key role with a steady 51, anchoring the chase. Jamie Overton made the biggest impact, scoring 30 runs and picking up 2 wickets for 22 runs.

Overton’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award as the Strikers sealed a comfortable win.

For Babar Azam, the focus will now be on finding form quickly. With the T20 World Cup 2026 in sight, his first two BBL outings have fallen well short of expectations.