Babar Azam, Josh Philippe Power Sixers to Dominant Sydney Smash Win

Babar Azam registered his maiden Big Bash League half-century as Sydney Sixers delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sydney Thunder by 47 runs in the Sydney Smash at Engie Stadium.

Sixers posted an imposing 198 for 5 on a batting-friendly surface, with Josh Philippe narrowly missing out on a century, scoring a superb 96 off 57 balls. Babar anchored the innings with a composed 58 from 42 deliveries, the pair combining for a decisive 140-run partnership for the second wicket. Reece Topley was Thunder’s most effective bowler, finishing with 3 for 41.

In reply, Thunder were bowled out for 151, never seriously threatening the record chase. Jack Edwards starred with the ball, claiming 5 for 26, while Sam Billings (51 off 28) and Shadab Khan (41) offered brief resistance.

The match carried added significance for the Sixers, who entered under pressure after two consecutive defeats. Much of the focus was on Babar, who had endured a difficult start to his BBL career with scores of 2 and 9. This time, the Pakistan star looked assured, rotating the strike early before settling into his rhythm.

After Thunder captain David Warner chose to bowl, Babar adopted a watchful approach in the powerplay, allowing Dan Hughes to attack. Hughes contributed 29 before being bowled by Topley, bringing Philippe to the crease. From there, the Sixers took control.

Philippe, continuing his rich vein of form after international appearances against India, dominated the scoring once the spinners were introduced. He launched Tanveer Sangha and Shadab Khan for multiple sixes, while Babar grew in confidence, striking a series of elegant boundaries, including his first BBL six off Daniel Sams.

Both batters reached their half-centuries, but Babar’s innings ended in the 18th over following a caught-behind dismissal after a review. Philippe agonisingly missed out on a maiden BBL hundred in the final over, caught at deep backward point.

Thunder’s chase unravelled early as they slumped to 17 for 3, losing Matthew Gilkes, Sam Konstas and Warner, who was batting at No. 3 after returning from a minor side injury. Konstas and Warner both fell cheaply, each scoring just two, as Edwards exploited the short ball to devastating effect.

Although Billings and Shadab briefly revived hopes, the required rate continued to climb and the Sixers’ bowlers maintained control to seal a comprehensive victory.

The win gets Sixers’ campaign back on track, while last season’s finalists Thunder remain winless after two matches.