NEW DELHI: Babar Azam’s poor run in the Big Bash League stretched further as the Pakistan batter once again failed to make an impact, this time in Melbourne.
Chasing a very ordinary target with minimal pressure, Babar could not lift his game and ended up producing yet another underwhelming T20 innings.
Slow knock raises fresh T20 questions
Opening the batting for the Sydney Sixers in a chase of just 129 runs, Babar Azam struggled to find momentum from the start. He scored only 14 runs off 17 balls, striking just one boundary and finishing with a strike rate of 82.35.
In a format where intent is everything, the knock once again raised serious questions about his suitability as a modern T20 batter.
The feedback from Stoinis to Babar after he dismissed him on the MCG 😅 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/ojYacyMCQ3
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 8, 2026
Babar’s innings came to an end when Marcus Stoinis trapped him lbw with a full and straight delivery. The ball nipped back in slightly, sneaked past the inside edge and struck him in front of middle stump.
As Babar walked back, Stoinis was seen wearing a smile and laughing as he sent him off with a few words.
Despite registering two half-centuries earlier in the tournament, Babar Azam’s strike rate has remained a major talking point throughout this BBL season.
Even former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has criticised Babar’s approach, pointing out the lack of intent and urgency required in T20 cricket.
Here's how fans reacted:
Babar Azam in BBL (So far)
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) January 8, 2026
Innings : 7
Runs : 145
Avg : 24.16
SR : 108.2 🔥
Another day, Another Top knock from Bobby!#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/3vtYkxoyLH
🚨🚨 Babar Azam scored 14 runs off 17 balls
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 8, 2026
- Australia has brought jokers like Babar Azam, Rizwan & Shaheen to humiliate them in front of their local kids🤣😭
- They are biggest superstar of Pak, who can't even perform in domestic leagues outside Pak🤡pic.twitter.com/XYmq3yXqms
Babar Azam in BBL this season:
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) January 8, 2026
-2(5)
-9(10)
-58(42)
-2(7)
-58(46)
-2(7)
-14(17)
Total 145 runs in just 134 balls with a mouthwatering srike rate- 108 🔥🥵 pic.twitter.com/1HuxobtnFk
Baber Azam failed to score big runs once again. 🩷🥺 #BaberAzam #bbl #fblifestyle #cricket pic.twitter.com/rhsGsfb6bl
— Abbey 🫀 (@CrickTrack360) January 8, 2026
Marcus Stoinis brutally abused Babar Azam after taking his wicket.
— Khuzaima. (@Pasli_shot) January 8, 2026
Insane respect earned 😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/L8bZLxsUHs https://t.co/g7sBSfeA12
🚨An embarrassing moment for Babar Azam🚨
— MuFFatLal Bohra (@arshdeep3444) January 8, 2026
Pakistan’s best batter Babar Azam can’t even play the bowling of part-timer Marcus Stoinis. pic.twitter.com/DLLH4YP9nz