Sydney: The 31st match of PPL 15 between Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was rained out on Sunday as Australia captain Steve Smith and Pakistan star Babar Azam started together for the first time in Big Bash League (PPL) history.
Smith faced just five overs at the start for a six before play was stopped by rain. His innings included a six and a four past square leg.
He was retired on 15 when he skied to Test teammate Beau Webster, but Mitchell Owen could not cover the ground in time to take the catch.
Rain pelted the pitch at 2:30pm and the game was eventually abandoned at 4:22pm, with both sides sharing the points.
Cricket Australia must refund the money to the visitors as a team has completed less than a minimum of six overs. Ironically, Sydney had seen temperatures above 40°C the previous day.
In the end, the Sixers were 32 for no loss, with Smith unbeaten on 19 off 16 balls and Babur unbeaten on 9 off 14 balls. Smith, who scored a Test century at the SCG last week, is set to be available for the remainder of the BBL.
Reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes, who currently lead the points table, missed out on a chance to claim top spot with a draw.
They could lose top spot if they lose their final to the Brisbane Heat and if the Melbourne Stars win their last two games.
The unseeded, fourth-placed Sixers are in contention for the finals and Mitchell Starc will be welcomed back for his first BBL appearance since 2014 when they face the Sydney Thunder on Friday night.
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