Former Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has urged Babar Azam to adopt a more aggressive approach after the Pakistani batter’s rather measured innings ahead of Sydney Sixers’ six-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades.

 

Chasing 165, the Sixers relied on Babar's unbeaten 58 off 46 balls, which included four fours and a six. The right-handed batter reached his half-century off 41 deliveries and struck at 126.09 as the Sixers chased down the target with five balls to spare.

 

However, Gilchrist suggested Babar's cautious approach places unnecessary burden on his partners.

 

“Babar is not known to have a power-packed game. He is not going to hoick across the line and slog one over the boundary for a six. He needs to be proactive. He can't just think run a ball and put all the responsibility on his batting partner to get the job done,” Gilchrist said on-air.

 

The innings marked Azam’s 97th T20 half-century, achieved at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium. 

 

During the match, Sean Abbott starred with the ball for the Sixers, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs in four overs and earning the Player of the Match award. 

 

He, on the other hand, praised Babar's consistency in a recent interview.

 

"Babar hits you where Babar wants to, and I'm sick of bowling at him," Abbott said.

 

"Whether it's domestic cricket or international cricket, I don't think I've ever got him out, and it feels a bit like a death by a thousand cuts sometimes because you look up the scoreboard and he is striking at 120 and you don't feel like you are nowhere near getting him out."

 

The win lifted the Sixers to fifth place on the points table with four points after two wins and three losses. Moises Henriques' side will next face Brisbane Heat on Monday, January 5, at the International Sports Stadium in Coffs Harbour.