Babar Azam marks his territory in the Big Bash League 15. (Representational Image)
Babar Azam BBL 15: The King of Cover Drives Silences Critics with Record-Breaking Performance for Sydney Sixers
Quick Navigation: What's Inside
 |
| Babar Azam Sydney Sixers BBL 15 record-breaking 58 runs against Melbourne Renegades, match-winning performance January 2026. |
1. The Comeback: Babar Azam Leads Sydney Sixers to Victory
The Australian summer just got a whole lot hotter. After a shaky start to his debut Big Bash League (BBL) campaign, Babar Azam proved why he is considered one of the "Fab Five" of modern cricket. On January 1, 2026, while the world was celebrating the New Year, Babar was busy dismantling the Melbourne Renegades' bowling attack at Docklands Stadium.
Chasing a competitive target of 165, the Sydney Sixers were under pressure. However, Babar Azam anchored the innings with a masterclass in T20 batting. His unbeaten 58* off 46 balls was a blend of classic elegance and calculated aggression. He didn't just play for himself; he carried the team home with 5 balls to spare, hitting the winning boundary off Andrew Tye.
2. History Made: 97 T20 Half-Centuries
With his latest fifty, Babar Azam has etched his name deeper into the history books. He has now equalled the legendary England captain Jos Buttler with 97 T20 half-centuries. What makes this feat even more incredible is the speed at which he achieved it:
- Babar Azam: 333 matches (11 Hundreds, 97 Fifties)
- Jos Buttler: 476 matches (8 Hundreds, 97 Fifties)
Only David Warner (113) and Virat Kohli (105) now stand ahead of him. At just 31 years old, Babar is on track to become the all-time leader in this category.
3. Babar Azam BBL 15 Performance Tracker
Many critics pointed to Babar's early low scores against the Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers. However, his overall numbers for the Sydney Sixers are beginning to look elite.
| Opposition | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth Scorchers | 2 | 5 | 40.00 |
| Sydney Thunder | 58 | 42 | 138.10 |
| Adelaide Strikers | 9 | 10 | 90.00 |
| Melbourne Stars | 2 | 7 | 28.57 |
| Melbourne Renegades | 58* | 46 | 126.09 |
4. Adapting to the "Gabba" and Beyond
Critics often claim Babar struggles on bouncy Australian tracks. However, his match-winning 58* on New Year's Day showed a significant technical adjustment. Babar was seen playing closer to his body, avoiding the early drive on balls that had extra carry. This adaptability is exactly why the Sydney Sixers fought so hard to sign him in the draft.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, this BBL stint is vital for Babar. Facing bowlers like Sean Abbott, Tom Curran, and Andrew Tye in their own backyard provides him with the high-intensity preparation that PSL or local leagues cannot replicate.
5. Viral Content: Fan War over Babar vs Rizwan
The match was also billed as the "Battle of the Titans" as Babar Azam faced off against his national teammate Mohammad Rizwan (playing for the Renegades). While Babar shone, Rizwan struggled, scoring only 6 runs. This has sparked a viral debate on social media about who the better T20 anchor is.
"Class is permanent. Form is temporary. Babar Azam isn't just a player; he is a statement." — A fan tweet that garnered over 50k likes.
Frequently Asked Questions (Top Search Queries)
Q: Which team is Babar Azam playing for in BBL 2026?
A: Babar Azam is representing the Sydney Sixers.
Q: Has Babar Azam scored a century in BBL?
A: Not yet. His highest score so far is 58, achieved twice this season.
Q: Why did Babar Azam miss the Sri Lanka T20 series?
A: Babar was granted an NOC by the PCB to continue playing in the BBL to gain experience in Australian conditions ahead of the World Cup.
Keywords: Babar Azam BBL, Sydney Sixers highlights, Babar Azam vs Melbourne Renegades, Babar Azam T20 records 2026, King Babar Australia, Big Bash League live scores.
0 Comments