BBL 2025-26: Babar Azam frustrated after dismissal as Steven Smith unleashes ‘Power Surge’ carnage

Australian veteran Steven Smith was in sublime touch during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 clash between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on January 16. Smith produced a breathtaking knock of 100 off just 42 deliveries, playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to a five-wicket victory.

A defining moment of the match came on the final ball of the 11th over when Smith denied a quick single to his batting partner Babar Azam. After Babar pushed the ball towards long-on, Smith refused the run and immediately informed him that he intended to take the ‘Power Surge,’ a two-over phase in which the fielding side is restricted to just two fielders outside the circle.

Smith launched an aggressive assault on Ryan Hadley, smashing four consecutive sixes followed by a boundary during the ‘Power Surge.’ The over yielded a staggering 32 runs, the highest-ever over in Big Bash League history. Smith’s calculated decision to seize the Power Surge turned the momentum decisively in the Sydney Sixers’ favour.

However, the very next over saw a dramatic turn of events. On the first ball bowled by Nathan McAndrew, Babar chopped the delivery back onto his stumps and was dismissed. The frustration was evident as Babar vented his anger by smashing his bat against the boundary cushion before walking back to the pavilion.

"Yeah, so we spoke at the 10-over mark and they said, take the Surge straight away. I was like, no, give it one over. I want to hit to the short boundary and I don't want to screw up the first over. And I looked to try and get 30 off that over. I think we got 32. So it's a good result. I'm not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single though,” said Smith in the post-match presentation.

"Yeah it was a nice wicket, obviously chasing 190 had to get off to a nice start. Babar and I had a really nice partnership there that set up the platform. And then got to the Surge and it was go time. So, yeah, fortunate enough to hit a few over the fence on the Surge and get us in front of the race," he added.