In a season the place the Sydney Sixers have dominated the headlines, a second of pure teammate solidarity at The Gabba has reminded followers why the “Magenta” squad is so tight-knit this yr. Through the fortieth match of BBL|15 towards the Brisbane Warmth, Pakistan’s Babar Azam confirmed precisely why he’s a frontrunner on and off the sector by comforting his opening companion, Steve Smith, following a uncommon lapse within the discipline.
Steve Smith drops Nathan McSweeney’s catch
The incident befell on the ultimate ball of the fifth over with Sean Abbott charging in. Warmth opener Nathan McSweeney unleashed a strong minimize shot off a back-of-a-length supply. The ball rocketed towards backward level, the place Smith was standing considerably nearer than ordinary to maintain the stress on.
Smith, recognized for among the finest palms in world cricket, reacted with a reverse cup above his head. Nonetheless, the sheer velocity of the shot meant the ball didn’t stick, spilling out to the frustration of the veteran Australian.
Additionally READ: Tactical genius or Team friction? Mitchell Starc weighs in on Steve Smith-Babar Azam drama in BBL|15
Babar Azam’s heartening response to Smith’s error within the discipline
Stationed close by within the cowl area, Babar didn’t hesitate. As quickly because the ball went down and the over ended, Babar sprinted over to a dejected Smith. As a substitute of specializing in the missed alternative, Babar provided a heartwarming consolatory pat on the again, sharing just a few phrases to elevate Smith’s spirits earlier than the change of ends.
It was a major second for the Sixers’ devoted, seeing their two marquee worldwide stars—who often open the batting collectively—supporting one another throughout the defensive section of the sport.
Right here’s the video:
Dropped!
Babar Azam was fast to achieve Steve Smith after he dropped a really powerful probability at The Gabba. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/U79dwI7OqI
— KFC Huge Bash League (@BBL) January 18, 2026
This gesture comes on the heels of a number of high-pressure moments for the duo this season, together with their record-breaking opening partnership towards the Thunder. Whereas there have been tactical debates within the center throughout their batting stints, Babar’s rapid assist for Smith within the discipline highlights the deep mutual respect and burgeoning “bromance” between the 2.
Additionally READ: ‘If it was Virat Kohli, Steve Smith ka baap bhi single leta’: Ex-Pakistan cricketer on Babar Azam’s BBL controversy
