BBL: Steve Smith Refuses Single on Final Ball to Keep Strike, Babar Azam Left Frustrated

**Islamabad:** An unusual moment was witnessed in the Big Bash League (BBL) when former Australian captain Steve Smith declined to take a run on the final ball of an over, leaving Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam visibly annoyed.

The incident occurred during a match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Representing the Sixers, Babar Azam played dot balls on the third, fourth, and fifth deliveries of the 11th over. On the final ball, Babar attempted to take a quick single, but Steve Smith, standing at the non-striker’s end, refused to run in order to retain the strike for the next over.

After the over ended, cameras caught both batters in conversation, during which Babar Azam appeared displeased and repeatedly questioned Smith about the decision not to take the run.

Babar was later dismissed, and although he tried to control his frustration on the pitch, he was seen hitting his bat forcefully near the boundary. Confusion between Babar and Smith continued during the fielding phase as well, with a few miscommunications drawing attention from spectators.

"They've said no run to that."

Steve Smith knocked a run back off the bat of Babar Azam, so he could have the strike for the Power Surge! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/BaZET2UF2t

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026

At one point, Babar left a boundary opportunity, while on another occasion he hesitated mid-pitch, leaving fans puzzled by the unusual sequence of events. The incident sparked discussion among viewers about on-field communication and decision-making between the two experienced batters.