Josh Philippe, Sydney Sixers opener has hailed Babar Azam’s influence at the crease. These comments came after the pair dismantled the Sydney Thunder and kick-started the Sydney Sixers Big Bash campaign.
Philippe said after the game, “Batting with Babar was outstanding,”. He further added, “He’s incredibly calm out there and kept me on track. He knows how to guide you through different phases of the innings and just keeps things simple, which makes a huge difference out in the middle.”
Babar helped the Sixers towards a dominant win at the SCG. He also scored his maiden BBL half-century in this match.
The match was played on a true batting pitch, unlike the slower pitches often seen at Engie Stadium. The Sixers were able to make 198 runs for 5 wickets. They were able to comfortably defend the score.
In this game, Babar Azam was under pressure. He had only scored 2 and 9 runs in the first two games. In this game, Babar Azam made a responsible 58 runs off 42 balls. When combined with Phillipe, it was a 140-run partnership at the second wicket.
Philippe entered the league in form. He scored a massive 96 runs off 57 balls. He almost made a century, but the innings was over.
At the start of the match, Babar was playing a watchful role. He was rotating the strike while Dniel Hughes was attacking in the power play. Reece bowled out Daniel Hughes after that control was taken by Babar Azam and Phillipe. Babar’s innings, as always, was featured with classical strokes. He also played the fan-favourite cover drive early in the game. He scored a six, which eventually helped him to his first BBL fifty.
The Sixers’ losing streak finally ended with the result. The match also underlined the importance of Babar Azam’s role in the Sixers.
Babar Azam’s fans were also glad that the batsman seems to be making a comeback.
Also read: Sydney Sixers unveil Babar Azam’s unique shirt number ahead of BBL 15
