Tag: BBL 15

Brisbane Heat pacer Shaheen Afridi has begun his rehab program after suffering a knee injury during the side’s clash in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, the outfit announced in a statement released on its social media handle on Tuesday.

Shaheen bowled three overs during the Heat’s fixture against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, 27 December, before getting off the field

The left-arm pacer limped off while pointing to his right knee during the 14th over of the Strikers’ run chase.

For those unaware, Shaheen has a recurring injury problem in his knee, which required surgery in the past.

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Now, Heat has released a statement about his injury, which said that the pacer has begun his rehab program and will miss the upcoming fixture.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi (knee) commenced rehab and will be further reviewed upon the team’s return from Adelaide,” the team wrote on its Facebook page.

“Tom Alsop (knee) resumed training yesterday and will be reviewed again on 1 January. Nathan McSweeney (ankle) resumed training, including batting and running; has travelled with the squad to Adelaide and will train again ahead of tomorrow night’s match,” the statement added.

It is pertinent to mention that Shaheen Afridi is not part of the Pakistan T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The pacer alongside Babar Azam were not included in the refreshed squad due to their commitment in the BBL 15.

Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is against Sri Lanka, which will be followed by a home series against Australia at the end of January in a bid to fine-tune their preparations for the T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the severity of the injury could also cast doubt on Shaheen’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

READ: Six-star Sajid puts SNGPL on top against Sahir Associates

HOBART: Veteran Matthew Wade played a vital cameo to power defending champions Hobart Hurricanes past Mohammad Rizwan’s Melbourne Renegades in the 15th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Bellerive Oval on Monday.

Set 163, Hobart Hurricanes chased down the target in 19 overs with four wickets in hand.

Openers Tim Ward and Mitchell Owen put on 31 in 4.2 overs before the latter was caught behind for 10.

After an early wicket, Beau Webster and Tim Ward put on a brief 26-run partnership to bring the total to 59 in 8.4 overs.

However, Renegades made a strong comeback with the wickets of Ward (30 off 26 balls) and Ben McDermott for a duck to leave them reeling.

Despite the wickets, the brisk scoring rate put Hurricanes ahead in the game.

Beau Webster and Nikhil Chaudhary were the other two wickets to fall in a short span of time, while Matthew Wade played a finishing hand down the order to ensure that his side reached home.

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Wade, who top-scored with 43 off 20, striking two fours and four maximums, stitched two crucial stands with Rehan Ahmed and Chris Jordan, respectively, to see his side home.

For Melbourne Stars, Adam Zampa remained the silver lining with three wickets to his name.

Earlier, Melbourne Renegades put on 163-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

Josh Brown and Tim Seifert got off the blocks rapidly, adding 38 in the first three overs. The former was dismissed for a quick-fire 26 off 13 balls, with the aid of three fours and two sixes.

Meanwhile, Seifert continued on, propelling the score to 66 at the end of the powerplay. He was caught after scoring 26 off 14 balls with the aid of two fours and two sixes.

Soon after, Mohammad Rizwan departed for 16, which reduced Renegades to 72-3 in 6.4 overs.

At this stage, the visitors were poised to go big with an above-par scoring rate, but a late lower-order collapse limited their scoring and left them below par.

For Hobart Hurricanes, Nathan Ellis was among the pick of the bowlers with three scalps, while Rishad Hossain chipped in with two wickets.

With this loss, Renegades are now languishing at the bottom of the points table, with only one win out of three games.

READ: Sydney Thunder respond to Shadab Khan’s Pakistan call-up

CANBERRA: Haris Rauf continued his impressive run in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 as Melbourne Stars romped to a nine-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder in the 14th fixture of the tournament here at the Manuka Oval on Sunday.

Set a partly 129, Stars aced the chase inside 14 overs, losing only one wicket in the process.

Joe Clarke and Sam Harper came out firing all cylinders, adding 86 in 9.4 overs, which made the competition a one-sided affair.

Clarke remained the core aggressor, top scoring with 60 off 37 with the help of eight fours and a six.

Sam Harper unbeaten 29 off 27, including two fours, whereas Glenn Maxwell also got going with a quick-fire 39* from 20, striking five fours and two sixes.

For Sydney Thunder, Chris Green remained the solitary wicket-taker.

Earlier, Haris Rauf led bowling attack bundled out the Sydney Thunder for a modest 128 at the end of their 20 overs.

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After a decent start, Rauf removed Matthew Gilkes for 24 to give Stars an opening. The opener hit a six and two fours before getting caught.

Soon after, Sam Konstas was sent back as well after managing just 11 from 15 balls. The hiccup reduced them to 39-2 in 5.1 overs as veteran batter David Warner arrived at the crease in a bid to stabilize the innings.

Warner and Cameron Bancroft added only 16 before both were dismissed in quick succession to leave Thunder in disarray.

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As a result, Thunder were 63-4 in 9.5 overs before a brief partnership of 27 between Sam Billings and Shadab Khan took their score to near the 100-run mark.

However, Thunder had a similar plot: losing quick wickets in a short span of time that could get their innings going, and eventually the whole team was bundled out for a modest score.

Shadab remained the top scorer with 25 off 24 with the aid of two fours, whereas Sam Billings hit two fours and a six in his 23 from 19 balls.

For Melbourne Stars, Haris Rauf picked up three in his four overs, while Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, and Tom Curran were equally good with two wickets to their name.

With this, the Melbourne Stars extended their undefeated run, winning four out of four games, and are at the top of the points table.

READ: Haris Rauf lights up BBL 15 with fiery spell

Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf has voiced sharp criticism of star batter Babar Azam, following his inconsistent run in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Rauf, who represented Pakistan in three Tests, four ODIs, and a T20I, argued that Babar’s recent struggles indicate a loss of key batting fundamentals, warning that continuing in short-format leagues could further strain the right-hander’s game.

“Babar has lost a lot of very important credentials of batting,” Rauf wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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“This is not the platform to mend your mistakes; you are just building more pressure on yourself. Your advisors are piece of s***. If you continue like this, how long will you survive?”

The criticism comes after Babar’s BBL campaign began on a challenging note, with single-digit scores in three of his four appearances for Sydney Sixers.

The lone bright spot was his 58-run innings against Sydney Thunder last week.

Abdur Rauf urged Babar to shift focus to longer formats to refine his technique and regain confidence.

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“Long format, county cricket or domestic first-class cricket is the only platform for you to work on your technique, spend most of the time on the pitch, play long innings, [and] then you will manage to improve your faults. It will not only relax your mind but also relieve stress from your body,” Rauf advised.

He also questioned Babar’s heavy involvement in franchise leagues, highlighting the unnecessary pressure they bring.

“Why are you putting more pressure on yourself by playing short formats and these leagues? You have enough money to pass your life comfortably, then why are you running after it and putting more stress on your mind and body that will lead you to ruin your career in the end?” Rauf added.

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SYDNEY: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam continued his inconsistent run in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 as he was dismissed for just two runs during Sydney Sixers’ clash against Melbourne Stars on Friday.

Opening the innings for the Sixers, Babar looked uncomfortable from the outset against Tom Curran, who troubled him with a probing out-swinging line.

The right-hander failed to connect with his first three deliveries, all of which carried safely through to the wicketkeeper.

Curran eventually found the breakthrough on the fifth ball of the over, getting one to swing late and draw a thick outside edge, which was comfortably taken by Glenn Maxwell at slip.

Babar departed after facing seven balls, adding another low score to his tally.

 

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The dismissal marked the third time in the tournament that the former Pakistan captain has fallen for a single-digit score.

He had a forgettable start to his BBL campaign, managing just two runs off five balls on debut against Perth Scorchers in a match the Sixers went on to lose.

That was followed by another lean outing against Adelaide Strikers, where he scored nine off 11 deliveries, including a solitary boundary, as Sydney suffered consecutive defeats.

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Babar Azam did show signs of recovery in his third appearance, registering his first BBL half-century with a composed 58 off 42 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes.

That innings played a key role in Sydney Sixers securing their first win of the season and briefly silencing questions over his form.

READ: Pakistan U19 to begin tri-series campaign against Afghanistan

ADELAIDE: Pacer Haris Rauf delivered a fiery three-wicket spell to lead Melbourne Stars to a six-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers in the 10th match of Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Set 156, Stars chased down the target on four wickets with 11 balls to spare.

Sam Harper remained the top scorer, scoring 55 from 36 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes.

Skipper Marcus Stoinis remained the other notable contributor with 32* from 22 to his name. The right-hander hit three fours and a six in his brisk knock.

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Melbourne Stars were off to a flyer as they posted 67 at the end of the powerplay, losing just one wicket in the process. Joe Clarke hit two fours before getting dismissed on 23.

Meanwhile, Harper continued to charge and stitched a brief 23-run partnership with Campbell Kellaway. The duo brought the total to 90 in 9.5 overs.

However, Hasan Ali took two crucial wickets in quick succession to jolt Stars in the chase. The right-arm pacer first removed well-set Harper, followed by the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell for two to reduce them to 96-3 in 11.3 overs.

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But Marcus Stoinis remained till the end to ensure his side crossed the finishing line. He added 37 and 28* run stands with Campbell Kellaway and Hilton Cartwright to take his side home.

For Stars, Hasan Ali remained the pick of the bowlers, managing to take two wickets in his three overs.

Earlier, after being given the opportunity to bat first, the home side Adelaide Strikers were unable to post a big total as they ended their innings on 155 for 8 in 20 overs.

Tom Curran ripped through their top order, removing Chris Lynn and Jason Sangha in the second over to put his side on top.

After an early hiccup, skipper Matthew Short batted with responsibility, crafting a 55-run partnership with Liam Scott to take the score to 62-3 in 7.5 overs.

The stand culminated with Scott’s wicket, trapped lbw by Stoinis for 25, despite it being another 48-run partnership that carried them over the 100-run mark, before a middle-order collapse saw them reeling.

Alex Ross and Short brought the total to 110 in 13.4 overs as Curran removed the latter, who top-scored with 56 from 42 with the help of four boundaries.

Eventually, the home side were limited to a below-par total at the end of their innings.

For Stars, Haris Rauf and Tom Curran combined and shared six wickets between them.

READ: Sameer Minhas reveals his cricketing idol

CANBERRA: Shadab Khan’s decisive four-over spell and Matthew Gilkes gutsy knock propelled Sydney Thunder to a 34-run victory over Brisbane Heat in the ninth fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Manuka Oval on Monday.

Set 194, Heat fell short and could only score 159 for six at the end of their 20 overs.

Matt Renshaw, who scored a century in his previous outing, remained the top-scorer for Heat with 43 runs to his name. The left-hander hit four boundaries and a six in his 28-ball knock.

Colin Munro and Jack Wildermuth started positively in the chase, adding 37 in 4.4 overs before Shadab Khan removed both batters in an over to halt their proceedings.

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Munro was caught for 18 while Wildermuth could not get going after making 15.

As a result, Brisbane Heat were 38-2 in 5 overs as Matt Renshaw and Hugh Weibgen paired up and launched a recovery.

The duo’s 70-run partnership off 47 balls took the score over the 100-run mark and brought Sydney Thunder back in the game.

However, the protagonist Shadab was again in the moment, who cleaned up Renshaw to give Sydney Thunder a breakthrough. Soon after, Weibgen followed him and was bowled by Daniel Sams for 30.

Consequently, Heat slumped to 108-3 to 115-4 in 14.3 overs.

With the required run-rate creeping up, Thunder mounted pressure with economical bowling and quick wickets, which put Heat out of the game.

The right-arm leg-spinner Shadab again proved beneficial with his 17th over, which yielded only 2 runs and a wicket, leaving the equation at 62 off 18 balls.

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In the end, the target proved too much and handed Sydney Thunder their first win of the season.

For Sydney Thunder, Shadab Khan took a four-wicket haul, whereas Daniel Sams managed to pick two.

Earlier, Brisbane Heat invited Thunder to bat first, a decision they capitalized on as they racked up 193-4 at the end of their innings.

Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes remained the cornerstone of a solid foundation, both putting up 127 in 13.2 overs on the board.

Konstas hit eight fours in his 45-ball 63, while Gilkes’ 76 off 48 included four boundaries and three sixes.

The solid foundation was enough for a big total as Sam Billings provided the Thunder innings impetus with a quick-fire 25 off 11 balls, laced with two sixes and two fours.

For Brisbane Heat, Jack Wildermuth managed to scalp two wickets in his quota of four overs.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup heroes receive grand welcome after crushing India

Jack Edwards produced a match-winning five-wicket haul after half-centuries from Babar Azam and Josh Philippe powered Sydney Sixers to a commanding victory over arch-rivals Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 derby on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 199, Thunder were bowled out for 151 in 19.1 overs, undone by a ruthless Sixers bowling display led by Edwards, who ripped through the top and middle order to seal the Sixers’ first win of the season.

The chase began in disastrous fashion for Thunder as Edwards struck twice inside the first three overs, reducing them to 17 for three.

Early pressure told, and although Sam Billings attempted to steady the innings, momentum remained firmly with the Sixers.

Cameron Bancroft struggled for fluency during a brief stand with Billings before Joel Davies ended his stay, dismissing him for a laboured seven.

A counter-attack followed when Shadab Khan joined Billings, with the pair adding a brisk 49 runs for the fifth wicket in just 22 balls to briefly revive Thunder’s hopes.

Jack Edwards, however, returned to break the partnership, removing Billings for a well-made 51 off 28 balls, an innings that included three fours and four sixes.

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Shadab Khan continued to fight, scoring 41 off 31 deliveries with three fours and two sixes, but he too fell to Edwards, who completed his five-wicket haul in the 18th over.

With only minor contributions from the lower order, including Chris Green’s 13, Thunder’s resistance ended at 151.

Earlier, the Sixers laid the foundation with a dominant batting effort, scoring 198-5 after being asked to bat first.

Babar Azam and Daniel Hughes struggled to break free against disciplined new-ball bowling, managing 33 runs in 26 balls before Reece Topley removed Hughes for 25.

Josh Philippe joined Babar, and the pair launched a decisive counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the second wicket in just 79 balls to seize complete control of the innings.

Babar, who had endured two modest outings earlier in the tournament, gradually found his rhythm after a cautious start and brought up his maiden BBL half-century from 38 balls.

His innings came to an end in the 18th over when he attempted to hit a short ball from Topley, finishing with a composed 58 off 42 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

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Topley also removed Ben Dwarshuis (1) in the same over to briefly check the scoring rate.

Josh Philippe, however, carried on and looked set for a century before Nathan McAndrew struck twice in the final over, dismissing skipper Moises Henriques (2) and then Philippe himself.

The wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with a fluent 96 off 57 balls, striking ten boundaries, including four sixes.

The Sixers closed on 198 for five, setting a formidable target that proved well beyond the Thunder’s reach.

Topley finished with three wickets for Thunder, while McAndrew claimed two. Shadab Khan went wicketless, conceding 33 runs from three overs.

The result handed Sydney Sixers their first win of BBL 15 after three matches, while the Thunder slipped to their second consecutive defeat of the tournament.

READ: Star batter axed as India name T20 World Cup 2026 squad

SYDNEY: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam has put himself within touching distance of a major T20 landmark during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, as he edges closer to breaking a long-standing record held by West Indies great Chris Gayle.

Representing Sydney Sixers in his maiden BBL campaign, Babar endured a quiet start to the tournament, managing just 11 runs across his first two appearances.

However, the right-hander rediscovered his touch in the high-voltage Sydney derby against Thunder on Saturday, producing a composed and timely knock that underlined his class.

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After a cautious beginning, Babar settled in and brought up his maiden BBL half-century off 38 deliveries.

He was eventually dismissed in the 18th over while attempting to take on Reece Topley, walking back with a well-crafted 58 from 42 balls, an innings decorated with five fours and two sixes.

The half-century marked Babar’s 107th score of 50 or more in T20 cricket, achieved in 331 innings. He is currently fourth on the all-time list for most 50-plus scores in the shortest format.

Australia’s David Warner leads the standings with 121 such scores, followed by India’s Virat Kohli on 114, while Gayle sits third with 110.

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With four more 50-plus scores, Babar Azam will surpass Gayle’s record, and the numbers suggest the milestone is well within reach.

Sydney Sixers still have at least seven group-stage matches remaining in BBL 15, with further opportunities likely should they progress to the playoffs.

Babar’s return to form also played a decisive role in the derby clash. He shared a match-defining 140-run second-wicket partnership with Josh Philippe, lifting the Sixers to a formidable 198 for five against their arch-rivals.

READ: Star batter axed as India name T20 World Cup 2026 squad

BRISBANE: Jack Wildermuth and Matt Renshaw produced blistering centuries as Brisbane Heat pulled off a record-breaking chase to stun Perth Scorchers in a Big Bash League (BBL) 15 thriller at the Gabba on Friday.

Chasing a mammoth target of 258, Heat sensationally overhauled the total, registering the highest successful run chase in BBL history and the second-highest team total ever recorded in the competition.

The previous chase record stood at 230, set by Adelaide Strikers against Hobart Hurricanes in 2023.

Remarkably, it was also the first time in T20 cricket history that two batters scored centuries in a successful chase.

Wildermuth anchored the innings with a blistering unbeaten 110 off just 45 balls, hammering five fours and nine sixes.

He found an ideal partner in Renshaw, who smashed 102 from 51 deliveries, also striking five boundaries and nine maximums, as the duo completely turned the contest on its head.

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Brisbane Heat innings began inauspiciously with Colin Munro dismissed off the very first ball, but what followed was nothing short of astonishing.

Wildermuth and Renshaw added 212 runs for the second wicket in just 95 balls, a partnership that left the Scorchers reeling.

Renshaw’s knock ended in the 16th over when he was run out, with the Heat already well within touching distance of the target.

Max Bryant then chipped in with a brisk 28 off 16 balls before retiring hurt after injuring his left shoulder while running between the wickets.

Wildermuth fittingly struck the winning runs, scampering through for a couple to seal a historic chase.

Earlier, Perth Scorchers had set the stage with a formidable batting display after being asked to bat first, piling up 257 for six.

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Mitchell Marsh departed early for three, but that proved to be the only early joy for the Heat bowlers.

Finn Allen and Cooper Connolly tore into the attack, sharing a blazing 142-run stand that powered the Scorchers to 150 inside just 12 overs.

Connolly struck a rapid 77 off 37 balls, including six fours and six sixes, before being dismissed by Wildermuth.

Allen soon followed, falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi for a scintillating 79 off 38 balls, an innings featuring eight sixes and three fours.

Late cameos from Aaron Hardie (23) and Nick Hobson (26) ensured Perth finished with a daunting total.

For the Heat, Xavier Bartlett claimed two wickets, while Shaheen Afridi, Wildermuth, Liam Haskett and Matthew Kuhnemann picked up one apiece.

Kuhnemann, however, endured a night to forget, conceding 60 runs in his spell, the most expensive figures by a spinner in BBL history.

READ: Travis Head joins Don Bradman in elite club with Adelaide Test hundred