Smith’s Power Surge frustrates Babar Azam

Smith was instrumental in leading the side to a five-wicket victory with an incredible effort of 100 off just 42 deliveries. On January 16, Australian veteran Steven Smith was at the peak of his game during the Sydney Sixers vs. Sydney Thunder Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 game.

Smith’s denial of his batting partner Babar Azam’s fast single on the last ball of the eleventh over was a pivotal point in the game. Smith immediately told Babar that he planned to take the “Power Surge,” a two-over phase in which the fielding side is limited to just two fielders outside the circle, after Babar pushed the ball towards long-on.

During the “Power Surge,” Smith aggressively attacked Ryan Hadley, hitting four straight sixes and then a boundary. An incredible 32 runs were scored in the over, the most in Big Bash League history. Smith’s strategic choice to take advantage of the Power Surge significantly changed the momentum in the Sydney Sixers’ favour.

Sit back, relax and enjoy Steve Smith hitting four sixes in a row at the SCG 😅#GoldenMoment #BBL15 @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/Iob6PX8tYa

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

“Wasn’t happy, Babar.” 😳

Drama in the middle of the SCG after Steve Smith knocked back a run from Babar Azam, so he could take strike during the Power Surge. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/rTh0RXE0A5

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

A significant change of fortune, however, occurred in the very next over. Babar was removed after chopping the delivery back onto his stumps on Nathan McAndrew’s opening ball. Before making his way back to the pavilion, Babar smashed his bat against the boundary cushion, clearly expressing his frustration.

“Yes, we did talk at the 10-over mark, and they advised us to take the Surge right away.” I said, “No, give it another go.” I want to avoid making a mistake in the first over and hit for the short boundary. And I tried to grab thirty off of that. We got 32, I believe. Thus, the outcome is positive.

Smith remarked during the post-match presentation, “I’m not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single, though.”

Indeed, it was a good wicket; certainly, chasing 190 needed to start well. There, Babar and I had a great collaboration that helped to establish the platform. After reaching the Surge, it was time to go. So, yes, we were lucky enough to get ahead of the race by hitting a few over the fence on the Surge,” he continued.