Adelaide Strikers grabbed a gripping three-wicket win against Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League on December 17, 2025. They chased down 160 with just four balls left, ending an eight-year drought at the SCG.
But much of the talk centered on Babar Azam. The Pakistani batting maestro, playing for the Sixers, fell for a modest 9 off 10 balls — his second low score in as many BBL games.
Sixers Post 159/9 After Being Sent In
The Strikers won the toss and chose to bowl on a lively pitch. Early breakthroughs put the Sixers under pressure right away.
Babar started with a lucky escape — a direct hit would have run him out on the second ball. He smashed his first boundary confidently through midwicket, but Luke Wood struck soon after. A loose jab found the fielder, and Babar walked back for 9.
Josh Philippe kept things moving with an aggressive 46 off 28 balls, including some clean strikes. Jack Edwards chipped in with 32, but regular wickets stalled the momentum.
Luke Wood led the Strikers’ attack with 3/26. Jamie Overton grabbed 2/22 and took sharp catches, while Lloyd Pope snared two key scalps. The Sixers finished at 159/9 — a total that looked chaseable.
Strikers Chase Gets Tense But Holds Nerve
Openers Matt Short and Chris Lynn gave the chase a brisk start in the powerplay. Both fell quickly, though, leaving the middle order to rebuild.
Liam Scott anchored things beautifully with a composed 51 off 32 balls. He found useful partnerships before getting caught.
Jamie Overton played a crucial hand, scoring 30 off 20 and staying calm under pressure. Late contributions from Luke Wood (18) and Hasan Ali (4) sealed the deal in the 20th over.
The Sixers bowlers fought hard — Jack Edwards took 2/27 — but extras and timely boundaries proved costly.
Standout Players from the Night
- Liam Scott (Strikers): 51 off 32 — the innings’ backbone.
- Jamie Overton (Strikers): 30 runs and 2/22 — true all-round impact.
- Luke Wood (Strikers): 3/26 — swung the game early.
- Josh Philippe (Sixers): 46 off 28 — top score and lone bright spot up top.
Babar’s BBL Start Raises Eyebrows
This was Babar’s second outing for the Sixers after a quiet debut (2 off 5 balls against Perth Scorchers). The extra bounce and swing in Australian conditions seem to be testing him early on.
Plenty of cricket left in the season, though. A player of his class usually finds a way to adjust.
The win lifts Adelaide Strikers up the table, while Sydney Sixers are still searching for their first points.
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