Australian legend Steven Smith created a new Big Bash League record on Friday (January 16) during the BBL 2025-26 match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, as the right-handed batter slammed four consecutive sixes to record the most runs in an over in the competition’s history. 

While Sydney Thunder scored 189/6 in 20 overs, after Sydney Sixers sent them to bat first at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. David Warner’s 10th T20 century (110 not out off 65 balls) was the main reason that Thunder managed the challenging total. 

Watch: Steve Smith smashes Nathan McAndrew for 107-meter six during BBL 2025/26

Steven Smith scored 32 runs in an over of Ryan Hadley

In reply, Sixers openers Steven Smith and Babar Azam had a century partnership. In the 12th over, when the Sixers were batting at 109/0, Steven Smith went for the powersurge. While Ryan Hadley returned for his second over in a new spell, Smith welcomed him with four consecutive sixes. Smith hit the first six over deep backward square leg, guided the next six over long on, hit the third six over deep backward square leg, and the next one launched over deep square leg.  

Most runs in an over in BBL history

On the fifth ball, Smith played a cut at fine, which resulted in a four. Later, it was revealed to be a front foot no-ball. The next ball was a wide one, as the free hit stayed. While Smith didn’t run the fifth ball that travelled to the long on, he grabbed a double on the last ball, as the Sixers earned 32 runs in that over, where Smith scored 30 runs. 

32 RUNS OFF ONE OVER!

Steve Smith hit four sixes in a row in this wild over at the SCG. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/fSPEaw3Xoo

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026

Smith and Babar Azam had a 141-run partnership in 12.1 overs, as Babar was dismissed for 47 off 39 balls on the first ball of the 13th over, the very next ball after the Sixers scored 32 runs in an over. Meanwhile, Smith completed his fifth T20 century in 41 balls, as he scored 100 in 42 balls with the help of five fours and nine sixes. 

Although the Sixers lost some wickets lately, they comfortably chased down the target in 17.2 overs after losing five wickets. 

In the 17th game of the BBL 2025-26 on Wednesday (December 31), Adelaide Strikers star Chris Lynn stunned everyone with his sharp throw that resulted in a run out to trouble the Brisbane Heat. 

After the hosts Adelaide Strikers chose to field first, Brisbane Heat had a poor start, and Chris Lynn made the situation worse for the visitors. Before that run out, Heat were batting at 20/3 in 5.2 overs. 

BBL 2025-26: Big blow as Shaheen Afridi set to miss crucial match for injury

Watch: Sharp Chris Lynn run out Matt Renshaw

Max Bryant pushed the ball to the point and ran for a single, while Chris Lynn quickly went for the ball and threw at the striker-end stumps, as the ball directly hit the stumps, while Matt Renshaw went in danger of losing his wicket. 

In the TV review, Renshaw was out as his bat was just behind the crease, while the ball hit the stumps, and the bails were off the wicket. Renshaw was dismissed for only six runs, as Heat lost four wickets for only 20 runs in 5.3 overs.

WOW! 😳 Chris Lynn! 👑

One stump to hit and Renshaw is gone! #GoldenMoment #BBL15 @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/nxoQYirzw5

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 31, 2025

Brisbane Heat were bundled out for only 121 runs in 19.4 overs. Only two batters managed to reach the 20-run mark in that innings. While Matthew Kuhnemann scored 31 not out off 22 balls with one four and three sixes, Hugh Weibgen scored 28 off 33 balls with one four and one six. 

The Heat were once battling at only 21/5 in six overs. Due to some late performances, Heat managed to score 100+ runs in the first innings. While the top five batters failed to reach double-digit scores, the next four batters managed to score double-digit runs. 

Among the Strikers, Jamie Overton got three wickets (3/19), Liam Scott (2/12) and Hasan Ali (2/29) picked up two wickets each. 

Chris Lynn scored match-winning 79 not out

In reply, Adelaide Strikers successfully chased the 122-run target in 14.1 overs after losing only three wickets, where the opener Chris Lynn played the match-winning knock of 79 not out off 41 balls with six fours and six sixes. 

The injury of Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi seems more serious than it was predicted. On Saturday night, during the Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) match, Afridi left the field with a limping leg. He picked up a knee injury while fielding for Brisbane Heat. As per the latest reports, the fast bowler can miss the next match of BBL 2025-26.

Shaheen Afridi's poor form in the Australian franchise league continued as he conceded 19 runs in an over. Italian batter Harry Manenti took him apart during the 12th over in the second innings of the match. Things got worse later when Afridi picked up a knee injury while fielding, forcing him to limp off and take no further part in the contest. Ahead of the T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to start in February 2026, the injury of Afridi casts concerns for Pakistan.

At that moment, when Afridi vacated the field, the seriousness of the injury was unknown. Later, it was reported that he injured his knee. Latest reports suggest that the bowler is all set to miss the Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat match on December 31 at the Adelaide Oval in North Adelaide. Shaheen Afridi is now going through a rehab season. So, as of now, it is difficult to say when the seamer can make a comeback in competitive matches.

Read More: Hardik Pandya to make Test comeback? Know full details

Shaheen Afridi to miss next BBL match for injury

Without the service of Afridi, Brisbane Heat emerged as the winner against Adelaide Strikers by a narrow margin. Heat defended their total by only 7 runs. In this match, the 25-year-old conceded 26 runs in 3 overs without taking any wickets.

So far, the ongoing BBL season brings a rollercoaster ride for Brisbane Heat as they won in two and lost in two matches. With 4 points in four matches, the team is currently in the third spot of the eight-team tournament. Despite all the hype, Afridi's performance remains below par. In four matches for Brisbane Heat, he managed to claim only a couple of wickets so far.

Insane batting by Jerssis Wadia during the Brisbane Heat vs. Adelaide Strikers BBL 2025-26 match on Saturday. Jerssis Wadia, an India-born batter, whose parents are still living in Mumbai. In his second BBL match, the batter displayed his amazing hitting skills by smashing three sixes and a boundary in a row. 

According to the information published in Cricket.com.au, "Hailing from an Indian background, with his parents still living in Mumbai, Jerssis Wadia's story has been one of persistence. Part of the Adelaide Strikers U19s program before Covid struck, he returned to Adelaide once borders reopened and has been biding his time on the South Australian Premier Cricket circuit since the 2022/23 summer, where he has played for Adelaide, East Torrens, and Tea Tree Gully." 

The left-handed batter joined the Adelaide Strikers for the BBL 2025-26 season as the replacement for star keeper-batter Alex Carey. He joined the team as a local talent. The batter scored only 7 runs when he made his Big Bash League debut against the Melbourne Stars. In the second game, which was against Brisbane Heat, the 24-year-old showed his true colors. 

Read More: Rishabh Pant can be dropped! This is how Indian squad can shape for New Zealand ODI series

Batting first at The Gabba in Brisbane, Heat registered 179/9 in 20 overs. Max Bryant played a blistering 63-run knock off 32 balls to push the team for the competitive total. Matt Renshaw got a 33-run innings as well. 

Watch the blistering batting of Jerssis Wadia

6 6 6 4 😳

In just his second BBL game, India-born Jerrssis Wadia hit 22 off his first four balls at The Gabba! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/IgIsYCj3AO

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 28, 2025

With skipper Matt Short as an opener, the Strikers got a flying start as he scored 63 off 39 with 5 boundaries and 2 over-boundaries. After that, it was the middle-order batter Jerssis Wadia who stole the show by claiming a hat-trick of 6s. In that over, he got 22 runs in just 4 deliveries. The emerging batter departed for 34 runs against 16 balls. 

Despite the fireworks from the India-born, the Strikers lost the match; the Heat claimed it by only 7 runs. Brisbane Heat skipper Xavier Bartlett took 3 wickets to protect their total. 

The Big Bash League's 2025–26 season has been nothing less than a spectacular event, with the presence of the Pakistani players being a crucial factor. The hype around the players has been the driving force behind packed stadiums, record-breaking TV audiences, and the overall strongest start in the history of the BBL 15 for years.

Viewership numbers hit new highs

The live digital streaming viewership of BBL 15 has seen a mind-blowing jump of 131%, when compared to the last season. The first weekend of matches had an average of 764,000 viewers, which is an 18% increase compared to the previous year and the best opening ever since BBL 10.

The multiscreen matches broadcasted on Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, and Kayo Sports had an even better performance, attracting an average of 912,000 viewers per game. The Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes match was the most popular, with more than 1.01 million average viewers, thus making it one of the most-watched BBL games before Christmas in recent times.

stadiums filling up again

The effect has gone beyond just television. The total number of spectators in the first eight matches combined reached 137,607, which is the highest at this time of a season since BBL 7. With school break just starting and major games still on the way, the organizers are hopeful that attendance will go up even more.

One of the highlights occurred on December 19 when the game between Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers became the most-watched regular-season BBL match in the history of the Foxtel Group and was thus a clear indication of how fast BBL 15 is setting new records.

Pakistani players are driving the surge

One of the major reasons for this revival has been the attraction of top-class Pakistani players. The signing of Babar Azam by the Sydney Sixers has created unparalleled fascination not only in the area but also worldwide. His smooth fifty against Sydney Thunder was not only a comeback but also a factor that made BBL first season very exciting around.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Virat Kohli celebrates 82-ball century against Andhra in VHT 2025/26

There are other Pakistan players besides Babar who are adding glam to the different teams:

• Shaheen Afridi (Brisbane Heat)
• Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades)
• Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars)
• Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder)

They have raised the level of playing and have also brought a big South Asian fan base which in turn has greatly enlarged the league’s global presence.

"Babristan" phenomenon and fanatical reactions

The hype has been reflected in ticket sales immediately. The Sydney Sixers had to enlarge their allocated “Babaristan” area at the SCG for the Boxing Day Bash because of the immense interest. Competition is not just about the teams but also about the players, which makes the whole tournament much more interesting.

A huge beginning for the Big Bash

BBL management commended the first week as one of the best in the league's history, with digital channels breaking streaming records on several nights and the Big Bash app being the top sports app in Australia throughout the week.

With the total number of viewers setting a new record, the audience size going up, and the fans being engaged like never before, the season of BBL 15 is definitely on the path to being one of the most-watched and most-attended ones ever. And as far as the situation is concerned, the impact of the Pakistani players has been nothing less than revolutionary - making the Big Bash a real global cricket event once more.

Pakistan's batting star Babar Azam has not only joined but also set a high standard in the Big Bash League during his first season, thus giving birth to an extraordinary excitement around Sydney Sixers. The excitement reached its peak just before the much-awaited Boxing Day Bash as the Sixers made the announcement that the special “Babaristan” fan zone at the Sydney Cricket Ground would be expanded due to overwhelming demand.

Babaristan, which was introduced earlier this season, is an active support bay at the boundary that is available at general admission prices. It was designed to spotlight Babar Azam and South Asian cricket culture; the zone was quickly sold out for the home games of the Sixers, mainly drawing the crowd from the Australian Pakistani and South Asian communities. The franchise characterized this area as one that is very open, has a lot of energy, and very high decibels, thus offering the fans a chance to see cricket in its very loudest and most colorful form.

Babar Azam buzz turns BBL games into super events as Babaristan readies for Boxing Day roar

There was a buzz around Babar right from the time his signing was confirmed. Tickets reservations not only in Sydney but also Perth went up, and the local people could not help boasting about the legendary Pakistan captain by calling him "our honor." Babar's presence has transformed the usual BBL matches into super events, indicating his gigantic global fan base.

ALSO SEE: Top 5 Indian batters with most T20I runs in 2025 ft. Tilak Varma

Babar has started to prove the hype on the field. After rather unimpressive scores of 2 and 9 in his first two matches, he showed up with a trendy first BBL fifty of 58 runs off 42 balls against the Sydney Thunder. The innings not only made the critics quiet but also brought up the excitement of fans again before the Boxing Day match.

The large crowd of Babaristan will be singing when the Sixers face the Melbourne Stars, with an exciting duel of Babar against the other Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf. The SCG will be the home ground for thousands of green-clad supporters and it will be a day filled with the passion of the crowd.

Babaristan is no longer just a fan zone, it has turned into a trademark of Babar Azam’s global popularity - once more, he has proven to be one of cricket’s most beloved and marketable stars!

Brisbane Heat set a new BBL record after successfully chasing the 258-run target against Perth Scorchers with the help of two centuries. 

After the hosts Brisbane Heat chose to field first at Brisbane on Friday (December 19), Perth Scorchers scored 257/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Brisbane Heat chased down the target in 19.5 overs after losing two wickets. While Scorchers recorded the second-highest BBL total at that time, Heat not only broke that record but also set a new record for the highest BBL chase. 

Finn Allen and Copper Connolly powered Perth Scorchers innings

In the first innings, opener Finn Allen and Copper Connolly had a 142-run partnership for the second wicket. While Finn scored 79 off 38 balls with three fours and eight sixes, Copper scored 77 off 37 balls with six fours and six sixes. At the late, Aaron Hardie (23 off 12 balls), captain Ashton Turner (12 off five balls), Laurie Evans (16 not out off nine balls), and Nick Hobson (26 off 11 balls) had some useful cameos. 

Among the Heat bowlers, only Xavier Bartlett got multiple wickets (2/44), while all other bowlers got one wicket each. 

See Also: Former Proteas all-rounder set for a new chapter with the Italy cricket team ahead of ICC World Cup 2026

Jack Wildermuth and Matt Renshaw slammed centuries in historic BBL chase

In reply, after Colin Munro was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball of the innings, Jack Wildermuth and Matt Renshaw set the historic chase with the 212-run partnership for the second wicket. While Wildermuth scored 110 not out off 54 balls with five fours and nine sixes, Renshaw scored 102 runs off 51 balls with five fours and nine sixes before he was run out. 

Max Bryant scored a crucial 28 off 16 balls with four fours before he was retired hurt after the fourth ball of the final over of the match due to a shoulder injury. While Hugh Weibgen joined at the non-striker end at Heat needed two runs in the last two balls, Wildermuth finished the game successfully with two runs on the fifth ball of the final over, as Heat created history by winning the match by eight wickets with one ball left. 

It was the third-highest successful chase in T20 cricket history. Meanwhile, the fixture experienced 36 sixes in total, which set a new record for most sixes in a BBL match, as it was well ahead of the previous record with 26 sixes in two BBL games. 

Brisbane Heat won the toss and opted to bowl first against Perth Scorchers in Match 6 of the Big Bash League 2025-26 at the Gabba, Brisbane. The decision follows a recent trend at the venue, where chasing sides have enjoyed success, especially under lights when conditions tend to ease for batting later in the innings.

The Gabba is known for its bounce and carry early on, which can challenge batters during the powerplay. With clear and warm weather forecast and no threat of rain, Brisbane Heat will hope their pace attack can exploit the new ball before conditions flatten out. A first-innings score in the range of 175–180 is generally considered competitive at this ground.

Heat eye comeback as Scorchers bank on winning momentum and strong head-to-head record

Brisbane Heat are coming into this game after a narrow defeat in their opening match and will be keen to bounce back. Colin Munro remains their biggest batting threat after a fluent half-century in the previous game, while Matt Renshaw and captain Nathan McSweeney add stability in the middle order. With the ball, the Heat have strengthened their spin department by bringing in Matthew Kuhnemann in place of Patrick Dooley, while Shaheen Afridi and Xavier Bartlett will lead the pace attack.

ALSO SEE: How many runs does Abhishek Sharma need to break Virat Kohli’s 2016 record?

Perth Scorchers, on the other hand, started their campaign with an emphatic win and look well-settled. Their batting revolves around the explosive opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen, followed by the in-form Cooper Connolly and the experienced Ashton Turner. The Scorchers have also received a major boost with Jhye Richardson returning to the XI after recovering from shoulder surgery, adding extra firepower to an already strong bowling unit.

With Perth holding a dominant head-to-head record over Brisbane in recent seasons, they will be confident of putting up a strong total. However, Brisbane’s decision to chase could play a key role if they manage to keep the Scorchers in check early.

Perth Scorchers Playing XI:
Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen (wk), Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Joel Paris, Brody Couch, Jhye Richardson

Brisbane Heat Playing XI:
Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney (c), Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi, Liam Haskett, Matthew Kuhnemann

There has been a lot of expectation from the former Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, who was signed by the Sydney Sixers for his maiden season of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26. The anticipation was to see the right-handed batter going berserk at the bowlers with his exceptional skills with the bat. But things have not gone as planned for the Sixers.

In the opening clash of the tournament, Babar fell for just two runs in five deliveries at the Optus Stadium in Perth as he was bounced out to the short ball and couldn’t keep the ball in the ground. The Sixers reached their home, the Sydney Cricket Ground, where they faced the Adelaide Strikers in their second fixture.

See Also: “Trust me…”- Abhishek Sharma reacts to Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill’s struggle in recent T20Is

Babar started well with a boundary flicked on the leg side against the left-arm pacer, Luke Wood, who was a little bit on the legs of the batter, looking to swing the ball away. But he tried the same shot again, and it was more aerial from the previous one, only to find the fielder, Matthew Short, to be dismissed on nine runs in 10 balls.

Babar Azam dismissed for 9 in BBL 2025/26 vs Adelaide Strikers

That was another poor innings from the right-handed opening batter as the anxiety grew for the Babar fans to see him coming back in form. His partner at the top, Daniel Hughes, also returned with a low score of 11 runs at run-a-ball, while the number three batter, Josh Phillippe, cracked 46 runs in 28 balls at a strike rate of 164.29.

Watch the video here: 

Luke Wood gets the BIG wicket of Babar Azam!

The No.2 pick in the #BBL15 Draft has his first breakthrough for the Adelaide Strikers. pic.twitter.com/9eAmehbj38

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 17, 2025

In the middle order of the Sixers, Jack Wadwards smashed a fine knock of 32 runs in 21 balls with the help of three boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 152.38, which helped the home side to finish on 159/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Wood was the peak of the bowlers with figures of 3/26 in four overs at an economy rate of 6.50. Jamie Overton ended up with 2/22 in four overs at an economy rate of 5.50. Lloyd Pope also got two wickets.

The 2025–26 Big Bash League began with huge expectations around Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, but the much-hyped debuts of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi ended in disappointment, triggering mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.

Babar Azam’s BBL journey started under the spotlight on December 14, when he turned out for the Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. Rain reduced the contest to an 11-overs-a-side affair, putting immediate pressure on batters to adapt. Opening the innings, Babar looked uncomfortable against the extra bounce and pace on offer. He managed just 2 runs from 5 balls before edging a delivery from debutant Brody Couch and being caught at mid-on. The early dismissal was a stark contrast to the excitement around his signing, with the Sixers even unveiling a special “Babaristan” fan zone to welcome their marquee recruit.

Challenging Australian conditions test Rizwan and Shaheen on debut

The following day, December 15, saw Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi make their debuts in the clash between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. Rizwan, batting at No. 3 for the Renegades, attempted to play more aggressively than usual but failed to find rhythm. He struggled for timing and scored only 4 runs off 10 deliveries before falling to spinner Paddy Dooley. Despite his lack of contribution, the Renegades piled up a massive 212/5, courtesy of a blistering century from Tim Seifert.

Shaheen Afridi’s outing with the ball was arguably the toughest. Drafted as Brisbane Heat’s No. 1 pick, the left-arm pacer began well but quickly lost control in the death overs. He bowled two dangerous waist-high beamers in the 18th over and was subsequently taken out of the attack. Shaheen ended with figures of 0/43 in just 2.4 overs, conceding runs through no-balls and wides as the batters went after him.

ALSO SEE: Star former RCB all-rounder set to replace injured Axar Patel in ongoing IND vs SA T20I series

These early struggles highlight how challenging Australian conditions can be, especially for players adjusting to bounce, pace and franchise pressure. While social media labelled it a “horrible start” for the Pakistan trio, many also called for patience. With the season just beginning, the spotlight now shifts to how quickly Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can respond and turn promise into performance.

Twitter reacts as Pakistan stars endure nightmare BBL debuts

🚨INAUSPICIOUS START🚨

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan made their BBL debuts over the last couple of days.

Babar - 2 (5)
Rizwan - 4 (10)
Shaheen - 0 (3) and 0/43 in 2.4 overs

😶😶#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/OeAwUPnXH3

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 15, 2025

Pakistani Premium players on BBL debut.

Ling Boobzy - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Actor Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Polio Bowler - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

And they want to win World Cup 2026😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/suCOprg1hh

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) December 15, 2025

The Trio of Pakistan Looks off Color in BBL15 Opening Matches

Sixers, Babar 2 (5)
Renegades, Rizwan 4 (10)
Strikers, Shaheen 0-43

All three have a potential to Comeback stronger#BBL15 #shaheenafridi #rizwan #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/mBGnOZvJ43

— Usman Khan (@usmann_khann) December 15, 2025

Pakistan’s premium pacer Shaheen Afridi on his BBL Debut 😬 pic.twitter.com/6d7aNp87Ck

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 15, 2025

𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧!

After Babar Azam failed in his debut match of the BBL, Another two big stars of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, also failed in their debut BBL game.#BBL15 | #Cricket | #GreenTeam | #OurGameOurPassion | #KhelKaJunoon pic.twitter.com/9MopwvJqsL

— Green Team (@GreenTeam1992) December 15, 2025

Pakistan superstars on BBL debut.

Babar Azam - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Muhammad Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Shaheen Afridi - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

Yrrr plzzz ab aglay matches main apni aur pakistan ki ezat bacha lena...#BabarAzam𓃵 #mrizwan #shaheenafridi pic.twitter.com/FlBRt4orrx

— Saadi (@Saadi_910) December 15, 2025

Three Pakistan stars struggle to shine on their BBL debut #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/wnDWcGG9kb

— 𝑨𝙗𝒅𝙪𝒍𝙡𝒂𝙝 𝙎𝒖𝙡𝒕𝙖𝒏⁵⁶ (@Abdullahs_56) December 15, 2025