Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Australia batter Steve Smith opened an innings together for the first time in cricket history during a rain-affected Big Bash League match.
The landmark pairing took place for Sydney Sixers against Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, January 11. The match, however, was abandoned because of rain after just five overs of play.
There was strong interest at the SCG ahead of the much-anticipated opening partnership. Babar Azam and Steve Smith received a warm welcome as they walked out from the Members’ Stand to the middle. Several young spectators reached out in hope of a high-five as the pair passed by. Both batters appeared composed, exchanging glove taps before taking guard.
Babar Azam played cautiously and managed only a 14-ball innings before rain brought a premature end to the contest, much to the disappointment of a near-capacity crowd.
