Melbourne: Babar Azam struck a composed unbeaten half-century to guide the Sydney Sixers to a six-wicket win over the Melbourne Renegades at Docklands Stadium on Thursday in Big Bash League season 15.
In a much-anticipated contest featuring Babar Azam against fellow Pakistan star Mohammad Rizwan, the Sixers won the toss and elected to bowl first — a decision that paid early dividends.
The Renegades struggled for momentum as Tim Seifert was dismissed in the second over by Jack Edwards, leaving the hosts at 10 for 1. Rizwan and Josh Brown attempted to rebuild, but their partnership lacked fluency. While Brown played the aggressor, Rizwan found it difficult to settle.
Brown provided the bulk of the scoring, smashing 43 off 19 balls with three fours and four sixes. His dismissal by Kerr ended a brisk 44-run stand, and the innings soon faltered further when Rizwan fell for 6 off 10 deliveries.
Jake Fraser-McGurk offered some resistance with 38 off 29 balls, including four boundaries, but was dismissed by Sean Abbott shortly after the Renegades crossed the 100-run mark. A late surge from Hassan Khan, who hit 39 with three sixes and a four, lifted the total before he fell in the final over. The Renegades closed on 164 for 9.
In reply, the Sixers made a steady start as Daniel Hughes and Babar Azam put on 46 for the opening wicket. Hughes was dismissed for 30 off 23 balls by Gurinder Sandhu, while Babar continued to anchor the chase.
Josh Philippe added 16, and captain Moises Henriques contributed 23, keeping the chase firmly under control. After the fourth wicket fell, Babar found solid support in Joel Davies.
The pair shared an unbeaten 51-run partnership, sealing the win with five balls to spare. Babar finished 58 not out off 46 balls, striking four fours and a six, while Davies remained unbeaten on 34 off 15 deliveries.
The victory marked the Sixers’ second win of the season, lifting them to fifth place on the points table. The Renegades remain seventh, having managed just one win so far in BBL 15.
