Australian star Steve Smith has explained the reasoning behind a moment that caught fans’ attention during a Big Bash League (BBL) match, when he denied Pakistan batter Babar Azam a quick single.
The incident occurred during a tense phase of the game, with Babar looking to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking. As he set off for a single, Smith reacted sharply in the field, moving quickly to prevent the run and forcing Babar to retreat. The moment drew widespread discussion on social media, with many praising Smith’s awareness while others debated the tactical choice.
Speaking after the match, Smith said the decision was purely situational and driven by match awareness rather than any personal contest. He explained that in T20 cricket, especially in leagues like the BBL, stopping singles can be just as important as taking wickets. According to Smith, Babar was batting fluently at that point, and allowing easy singles would have helped him maintain rhythm and put further pressure on the bowling side.
Smith added that his focus was on cutting off runs and forcing the batter to take risks. “When a top-class player is at the crease, you want to make things as difficult as possible,” he noted, pointing out that small moments in short-format cricket often swing momentum. By denying the single, the fielding side hoped to build pressure and create a chance for a mistake.
Babar, known for his calm approach and strong strike rotation, handled the situation without visible frustration and continued to bat with composure. Cricket analysts later highlighted the exchange as a classic example of high-level game awareness from both players—Smith’s anticipation in the field matched against Babar’s tactical batting mindset.
The moment underlined the competitive yet respectful nature of elite cricket, particularly in global leagues like the BBL where international stars regularly face off. While it may have seemed minor, Smith’s decision reflected how modern T20 cricket is often decided by sharp fielding and split-second choices, not just boundaries and wickets.