Pakistan batting star Babar Azam registered his maiden half-century in the Big Bash League on Saturday during the Sydney Derby between the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
The 31-year-old opener made a confident start after Thunder captain David Warner won the toss and chose to field. Babar opened the innings alongside Daniel Hughes and showed early composure despite recent struggles in the tournament.
Initially, England pacer Reece Topley tested Babar with a sharp yorker aimed at the off stump. However, Babar responded calmly and defended with precision. Soon after, he found rhythm with a trademark cover drive off Nathan McAndrew, which settled him at the crease.
Read: Babar Azam Out in Single Digits in BBL Debut
As the innings progressed, Babar built momentum through controlled stroke play. Consequently, he brought up his first BBL half-century from 38 deliveries, marking a major personal milestone. Although he fell soon after, caught behind off Topley in the 16th over, his knock had already laid a strong foundation.
The highlights of Babar Azam's first fifty in the Big Bash 👇
58 (42) in the Sydney Smash! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/xm5rSaSRD4
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 20, 2025Babar finished with a composed 58 runs from 42 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Josh Philippe dominated the innings with a blistering 96 off 57 deliveries. Together, the pair added a crucial 140-run partnership for the second wicket.
As a result, the Sixers posted an imposing total of 198 for 5 in their 20 overs. The innings reflected a sharp turnaround for Babar, who had earlier endured a slow start to his BBL campaign.
Previously, he scored just two runs on debut against Perth Scorchers and followed it with a single-digit score against Adelaide Strikers. However, this innings signalled a clear return to form.
Following the match, fans flooded social media with praise. Many hailed the knock as a reminder of Babar’s class and resilience at the top level of T20 cricket.
