Watch: Babar Azam returns for 2 in poor BBL 2025/26 debut for Sydney Sixers

When the Sydney Sixers pulled off a massive signing of Babar Azam, the former Pakistan captain across formats, it was expected to be one of the most exciting signings for the Sydney Sixers ahead of the 2025/26 season of the Big Bash League (BBL). Since he arrived in Australia, the expectation has been sky high for the right-handed batter to show his skills with the bat.

On the curtain raiser of the event, the Sixers faced the Perth Scorchers in the away clash at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The poor weather delayed the start of the proceedings, which saw the game converted into an 11-over per side contest. The Sixers were put into bat first as the Scorchers won the toss and decided to use the ball first as Babar Azam walked as the opening batter. 

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Sydney lost their left-handed opening batter, Daniel Hughes, on the third ball of the innings as the eyes shifted to the other opener to bail him out of the trouble. His first ball was hit back to the pacer for no run before a replica of a shot took place. 

Babar Azam returns for 2 in BBL 2025/26 debut

Babar was nearly dismissed on the third ball of the stay when he was surprised by the bounce of the ball from Joel Parris. The Pakistan batter was late on the pull, with the ball ballooning in the air before falling short of the fielder. He finally opened his account on the fifth ball when he went aerial and came back for a couple.

Watch the video here: 

But on the very next delivery, the batter was dismissed as his straight pull shot was caught inside the ring by Laurie Evans. Jack Edward’s unbeaten knock of 46 runs in 21 balls helped the Sydney side to post 113/5 in their 11 overs.

Perth completed the chase in the last over with five wickets in hand as Cooper Connolly smashed a fine knock of 59 runs in 31 balls at a strike rate of 190.32 with the help of three boundaries and five sixes. Babar will next appear at the Sydney Cricket Ground on December 17 against the Adelaide Strikers.