NEW DELHI: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam’s much awaited Big Bash League debut did not start on a positive note. Turning out for the Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers, the right hander endured a short stay at the crease.

Babar managed only 2 runs from 5 deliveries and never looked fully settled. Expectations were high but the conditions and the bowling posed early challenges.

The dismissal came against Brody Couch. Babar attempted a flat batted pull to a short of a good length delivery. He found himself in an awkward position as the ball climbed on him. The shot came off the toe end of the bat and ballooned towards mid-on. Laurie Evans moved to his left and completed a comfortable catch.

Rain disrupts the contest

Rain and lightning earlier in the day forced officials to reduce the match to an 11 over contest. Both teams had to quickly adjust their plans.

Sydney Sixers lost Daniel Hughes for a duck in the opening exchanges. Babar’s dismissal soon after left the side in early trouble.

Josh Philippe steadied the innings with a lively 28 off 18 balls. Lachlan Shaw added momentum with a quick 19 from 10 deliveries.

The innings changed through Jack Edwards. He attacked from the outset and punished anything loose. Edwards remained unbeaten on 46 from just 21 balls. His knock included six fours and two sixes and lifted the scoring rate sharply.

With late runs from Ben Dwarshuis the Sixers reached 113 for five. It was a strong effort given the reduced overs.