Babar Azam falls cheaply on Big Bash League debut

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam endured a modest start to his Big Bash League (BBL) career, managing just two runs from five deliveries on debut for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam endured a modest start to his Big Bash League (BBL) career, managing just two runs from five deliveries on debut for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Opening the innings, Babar saw his partner Daniel Hughes depart on the second ball as Cooper Connolly provided the hosts with an early breakthrough. The right-hander faced his first delivery at the end of the opening over, blocking a ball angled in by Connolly.

Babar struggled to find fluency during his short stay at the crease. He defended a delivery from Joel Paris in the second over and survived a brief scare when a mistimed shot fell safely between fielders at mid-wicket and mid-on.

The 31-year-old opened his BBL account on the fourth ball he faced, steering a length delivery through the off side to collect two runs. However, his innings ended shortly after when Brody Couch produced a hard-length delivery that climbed on the batter. Babar failed to clear mid-on, where Laurie Evans completed a straightforward catch.

Babar struggled to find fluency during his short stay at the crease. He defended a delivery from Joel Paris in the second over and survived a brief scare when a mistimed shot fell safely between fielders at mid-wicket and mid-on.

The 31-year-old opened his BBL account on the fourth ball he faced, steering a length delivery through the off side to collect two runs. However, his innings ended shortly after when Brody Couch produced a hard-length delivery that climbed on the batter. Babar failed to clear mid-on, where Laurie Evans completed a straightforward catch.