BBL 2025: How Renegades claimed first win vs Brisbane as Babar, Shaheen struggle continues

The Big Bash League 2025 has lit up Australia with high-scoring contests and elite overseas talent, but for cricket fans in Pakistan, the tournament has begun on a deeply disappointing note. Much of the frustration stems from the underwhelming performances of national stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose much-anticipated BBL debuts have failed to live up to expectations.

The Melbourne Renegades’ commanding first win of the season against Brisbane Heat on Sunday only added to that disappointment. Powered by a blistering century from Tim Seifert, the Renegades piled up a massive 212-run total, exposing Brisbane’s bowling attack, including Shaheen Afridi, and setting the tone for a one-sided contest.

Shaheen, making his BBL appearance for Brisbane Heat, endured a night to forget. The left-arm pacer failed to take a wicket and conceded 43 runs in just 2.4 overs, struggling to control swing or length as Renegades batters attacked him relentlessly. His expensive spell proved decisive, allowing Melbourne to maintain momentum throughout the innings and build an imposing total that Brisbane never truly threatened to chase.

While Shaheen’s outing raised concerns about rhythm and match sharpness, Babar Azam’s struggles have been equally jarring. Playing for Sydney Sixers earlier in the tournament against Perth Scorchers, the former Pakistan captain managed just two runs — an outcome few would have predicted for a batter of his class and consistency. The low score marked a disappointing start to his BBL campaign and left fans questioning his adaptation to Australian conditions and the league’s aggressive tempo.

The contrast has been stark. While international stars like Tim Seifert have hit the ground running, Pakistan’s marquee names have found themselves on the back foot. Expectations were sky-high, especially given Babar’s reputation as one of the world’s premier batters and Shaheen’s status as Pakistan’s spearhead fast bowler. Instead, their early BBL performances have offered little comfort.

For Renegades, the match against Brisbane was a statement of intent. Seifert’s commanding 102 laid the foundation for their first victory of BBL 2025, while Brisbane’s bowling — particularly Shaheen’s — struggled to contain the onslaught. The Heat’s chase faltered under scoreboard pressure, sealing a comprehensive win for Melbourne.

With the tournament still in its early stages, both Babar and Shaheen will have opportunities to turn things around. However, the slow start has already dampened enthusiasm back home, where fans had hoped the BBL would showcase Pakistan’s finest on one of cricket’s biggest franchise stages.

As BBL 2025 gathers pace, all eyes will remain on whether Babar Azam can rediscover his touch and whether Shaheen Afridi can regain his bite — or if early struggles will define a disappointing Australian chapter for Pakistan’s biggest stars.