'Not sure Babar was too happy': Steve Smith ruffles teammate's feathers in making BBL history
Steve Smith made BBL history on Friday night but the way he got there may have put his teammate's nose out of joint in the five-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder.
After watching David Warner belt 110 from 65 balls on the way to a total of 190 for the Thunder, Smith smashed a 41-ball hundred including five fours and nine sixes, however, the route he took seemed to get under the skin of Sixers teammate and Pakistan star Babar Azam.
As the Sixers prepared to take the power surge in the 11th over, Smith wanted to keep strike and refused an easy single to Babar. When they came together in the middle, Smith explained himself but Babar seemed unimpressed and walked back to the crease.
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Smith then unleashed with the bat, smashing 32 runs off the following over—including four consecutive sixes. Babar was not so fortunate though, and was bowled for 47 off the next ball he faced.
As the 31-year-old walked off the field, he lashed out at the boundary rope, clearly unhappy about Smith's move.
Steve Smith speaks to Babar Azam. FOX Sports
"That was a smart tactical move by Steve Smith," former teammate of Smith and ex- Sixers wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said.
"Babar shouldn't be upset, Steve Smith wants the opportunity to go at the small boundary.
"He needs to be happy.
"Smart tactic from Steve Smith."
After the match Smith did his best to downplay the moment.
"It was a good result (the power surge), but not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single," he said with a wry smile.
It wasn't the first time Smith and Babar were locked in a moment of frustration.
During the Thunder's innings, Smith seemed to question Babar's urgency in the field, when he made no effort to dive for a straight drive from Nick Maddison that passed between the two players.
Friday night was the second time Smith and Azam have played on the same team.
