Sydney Sixers’ Babar Azam performs a shot throughout their BBL 15 match towards Sydney Thunder on the Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney on December 20, 2025. — Fb/SydneySixers
SYDNEY: Pakistan batter Babar Azam scored his first-ever half-century within the Large Bash League (BBL), reaching the milestone through the Sydney Derby between the Sixers and Thunder on the Sydney Showground Stadium on Saturday.
The 31-year-old, who had an underwhelming begin to his BBL profession, seemed in management when he walked out to open the Sixers’ innings alongside Daniel Hughes after the Thunder’s captain David Warner gained the toss and opted to subject first.
Babar was examined instantly by Reece Topley, who bowled a snaring yorker, angling in into the off-stump, however the right-handed batter dug exactly to information it in the direction of mid-on.
He bought going with a trademark cowl drive off Nathan McAndrew within the subsequent over, which put him on high of his recreation as Babar then went on to deliver up his maiden BBL half-century off 38 deliveries.
Babar might add eight extra to his particular person rating after amassing the milestone as he was caught behind off Topley within the sixteenth over.
He remained a notable run-getter for the Sixers with 58 off 42 deliveries, studded with 5 fours and two sixes, whereas Josh Philippe top-scored with a 57-ball 96, that includes six fours and 4 sixes.
The duo additionally shared a 140-run partnership for the second wicket, enjoying a pivotal function in main the Sixers to a formidable whole of 198/5 of their allotted 20 overs.
For the unversed, Babar Azam made his highly-anticipated BBL debut within the curtain raiser towards Perth Scorchers on Sunday and will rating a scratchy five-ball two.
He additionally registered a single-digit rating in his second look, which got here towards Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday, as he might make 9 earlier than falling sufferer to Luke Wooden.
