Babar Azam Finds Form as Record Pursuit Intensifies

SYDNEY: Babar Azam reminded the Big Bash League 2025 of his pedigree with a composed, high-impact innings that steadied Sydney Sixers and pushed him closer to one of T20 cricket’s most enduring landmarks.

The Pakistani batter, playing his maiden BBL season, entered the Sydney derby under quiet scrutiny. His first two outings produced only 11 runs, raising questions about adaptation rather than ability. On Saturday night, Babar answered those questions with clarity, timing, and control when it mattered most.

From Caution to Command at the SCG

Babar focused on strike rotation, waited for width, and resisted the temptation to force the pace early. 

Once set, Babar began to trust his bat swing and footwork, finding gaps square of the wicket and through extra cover with increasing ease. The acceleration came without risk, a hallmark of his batting when rhythm returns.

He reached his maiden BBL half-century from 38 deliveries, raising his bat with quiet satisfaction rather than celebration. The innings ended in the 18th over when he attempted to take on Reece Topley, departing for a polished 58 from 42 balls that featured five fours and two sixes.

That partnership lifted Sydney Sixers to 198 for five, a total that proved far beyond Sydney Thunder’s reach later in the evening. 

Chasing Gayle, One Fifty at a Time

Beyond the match result, Babar’s half-century carried significant historical weight. The knock marked his 107th score of fifty or more in T20 cricket, achieved across 331 innings.

That tally places him fourth on the all-time list for most 50-plus scores in the format. David Warner leads with 121, followed by Virat Kohli on 114, while Chris Gayle sits third with 110.

With at least seven group-stage matches remaining for the Sixers, and potential playoff appearances ahead, opportunity sits firmly on his side.

Momentum at the Right Time

For Babar, the timing of this return to form matters as much as the numbers. The early tournament struggles threatened to frame his BBL debut as an adjustment story. 

Sydney Sixers gained more than runs from Babar’s bat on Saturday night. They gained assurance that their overseas star has found his footing, and history now sits within touching distance rather than theory.