20-Year-Old Uncapped Australian Pacer Ollie Patterson Dismisses Babar Azam Cheaply During Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat BBL 2025-26 Match (Watch Video)
For Babar Azam, the dismissal marks a frustrating chapter in what has been a highly scrutinized debut BBL campaign. Signed by the Sixers on a landmark "Platinum" category deal worth nearly PKR 10 crore. Babar entered the tournament as one of the highest-paid players in league history.
The Sydney Sixers overcame a top-order collapse to secure a vital three-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat on Monday, successfully chasing down a modest target of 115 at International Sports Stadium, Coffs Harbour. The match was defined by a dramatic opening spell from 20-year-old Heat bowler Oliver Patterson, who removed Pakistan superstar Babar Azam cheaply before the Sixers' lower order held their nerve to clinch the win. Fact Check: Did Babar Azam Recite Holy Quran in Sydney Sixers' Dressing Room In Front of Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc During BBL 2025-26? Here's the Truth.
Ollie Patterson Dismisses Babar Azam
The result marks a crucial turnaround for the Sixers, while the Heat were left to rue a disappointing batting display earlier in the day.
Ollie Patterson Claims the Prized Scalp
The run chase began in explosive fashion when Oliver Patterson, who celebrated his 20th birthday just two days ago, dismissed Babar Azam in the second over. Babar (2 off 7 balls) was lured into a false stroke by a sharp delivery from the left-armer, resulting in a spectacular diving catch by Tom Balkin at square leg.
Patterson immediately followed up by dismissing Josh Philippe for a first-ball duck with his very next delivery. The 20-year-old’s double-strike left the Sixers reeling at 2-11 and briefly made the Heat favorites to defend their small total.
Background: The Rise of Ollie Patterson
Patterson has quickly emerged as one of the Big Bash League’s most promising fast-bowling prospects. A Sydney-born left-arm quick, he joined the Brisbane Heat for the BBL 2025-26 season following a breakout performance in Queensland’s KFC T20 Max competition.
In that tournament, Patterson finished as the leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps at an average of just 9.73. A former Australian Under-19 representative, he previously featured in Youth Tests against India and was a standout performer in New South Wales Premier Cricket before relocating to Brisbane. Known for a "whippy" action and the ability to swing the new ball, his dismissal of Babar Azam is being hailed as a career-defining moment.
Babar Azam’s High-Stakes Debut Season
For Babar Azam, the dismissal marks a frustrating chapter in what has been a highly scrutinized debut BBL campaign. Signed by the Sixers on a landmark "Platinum" category deal worth nearly PKR 10 crore ($540,000 AUD), Babar entered the tournament as one of the highest-paid players in league history.
While he has shown flashes of his trademark elegance—including match-winning half-centuries against the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades, critics like Adam Gilchrist have pointed to his strike rate as a point of contention. His exit for just 2 tonight adds to a season of fluctuating fortunes as he adapts to the bouncy, pace-friendly Australian tracks.
Sixers Fight Back After Collapse
Despite Patterson's early brilliance, the Sixers' middle order managed to stabilize the innings. After slumping to 6/53 against a disciplined Heat attack, captain Moises Henriques provided a steadying 26. Fact Check: Did Babar Azam Receive WWE Championship Belt From Roman Reigns, Big Show and John Cena During BBL 2025-26? Here's the Truth.
A composed partnership in the final overs allowed the Sixers to slowly chip away at the target. They eventually reached 118/7 with four balls to spare, sealing a hard-fought victory on a slow and challenging Coffs Harbour surface.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 05:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).