Hundreds of angered cricket fans (read: trolls), seemingly from Pakistan, gathered on Instagram under Steve Smith's recent post on Friday night to remind the Aussie cricketer that he had disrespected the "king" batter from Pakistan and he needed to apologise to his Sydney Sixers teammate.
All because Smith had denied a single to Babar in a bid to go full throttle during the run chase between the exciting contest between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. This plan worked in the Sixers' favour as Smith registered a record-setting 32 runs in the next over.
However, Babar's fans were unhappy with the entire situation that unfolded in the middle of the SCG, for they believed Smith backing himself and denying the strike was humiliating and disrespectful to the Pakistan batter.
"They've Said No Run To That"
The incident unfolded during the last ball of the 11th over as the Sixers were chasing the target of 190 posted by the Thunder. Smith, realising that Babar had played one too many dot balls earlier in the over, did not seem too keen on giving the strike to the Pakistan batter for the "Power Surge". This move left Babar visibly bewildered.
Power Surge
Smith's decision to keep strike during the Power Surge (a mini powerplay) worked wonders for him and his team as he sent Ryan Hadley for four consecutive sixes on the first four balls before ending the over with a staggering 32 runs.
"Say Sorry To Babar"
Cricket fans from Pakistan had a strong reaction. No, they weren't cheering on Smith's artful tactic and strategic move to ease the steep run chase for the Sixers, but lashed out at the Aussie cricketer for "humiliating" Babar.
A horde of fans headed to Smith's Instagram page and gave him a mouthful.
"Say sorry to Babar Azam fixerrr (sic)," read one comment.
"Babar is your abbu Sandpaper (sic)."
"King babar one cover drive is better than your career (sic)."
The meltdown of epic proportions continued.
"Babar is your father."
"Smith needs to learn to respect the world class players (sic)."
Babar Was Upset Too
Not just the Pakistan cricket fans but Babar was upset too. After appearing puzzled to the denied single by Smith, the batter was swiftly dismissed. Facing Nathan McAndrew in the 13th over, Babar was clean bowled.
During his walk back to the hut, an upset Babar smashed the boundary cushions with his bat. He ended his innings after playing a 39-ball 47, striking at 120.
X Goes To Town
Viewers on X brutally trolled Babar for his antics.
They further took swipes at the batter for his lack of commitment in the field during Thunder's batting.
Remarkably, Babar was once again found being sloppy around Smith. Stationed at the long-on position, Babar did not put in the dive to stop a boundary smacked by Nic Maddinson during the 16th over, bowled by Ben Manenti. This left Smith confused.
An almost identical shot came from Maddinson's bat on the very next delivery, with the ball heading to the same region. This time, however, Smith, fielding at long-off, dived to save a certain boundary.
The commentators couldn't help but share a chuckle on-air during the mix-up.
"I can't wait to watch them open the batting together," a voice in the comm box muttered with laughter.
Steve Smith Shines
Opening for the Sixers, Smith stitched a 141-run stand with Babar. The Aussie cricketer, returning from the Ashes, smacked a 42-ball century that was laced with nine maximums and five boundaries. His scintillating knock powered the Sixers through with a breezy five-wicket win and 16 deliveries to spare.