BBL: Sixers vs Thunder — Babar Azam, Steve Smith strike-rate debate intensifies

ISLAMABAD: The debate over Twenty20 strike rates has flared up once again after Babar Azam and Steve Smith opened the innings for Sydney Sixers in their Big Bash League clash against Sydney Thunder.

In the BBL 15 match, the contrast was stark. Steve Smith smashed a blistering century, scoring 100 off just 42 balls, while Babar Azam made 47 from 39 deliveries. The numbers quickly went viral, with Smith striking at around 238 compared with Babar’s strike rate of nearly 120, reigniting questions about the effectiveness of “traditional” batting styles in modern T20 cricket.

The difference was not just in numbers but in approach and temperament. Smith played with clear intent, constantly looking to push the tempo, while Babar adopted a more classical, anchor-style role — an approach that drew criticism from sections of fans and analysts on social media.

There were also visible signs of miscommunication between the two at the crease. On one occasion, Smith stopped Babar from taking a single, with Babar repeatedly questioning the decision. When Babar was dismissed, he managed to control his frustration on the pitch but expressed his anger at the boundary by forcefully hitting his bat.

Confusion continued in the field as well. Babar was seen leaving a boundary on one occasion and stepping into Smith’s path on another, leaving fans and commentators puzzled over the lack of coordination.

However, Babar’s supporters argue that the context is being ignored. They say his role often involves anchoring the innings, allowing other batters to attack freely. Defenders also point out that Babar has a T20 international strike rate of over 135 in the middle overs, underlining his ability to accelerate when required.

The debate reflects a broader trend in modern cricket, where even established stars like Virat Kohli have faced similar scrutiny over strike rates in T20 leagues such as the IPL.

With T20 cricket evolving rapidly and demands shifting towards higher strike rates from the very start, the Babar vs Smith discussion has once again divided opinion — raising the question: is there still room for the classical anchor in today’s T20 game?