WATCH: Babar, Smith open together for Sixers in rain-affected BBL clash

SYDNEY: Rain played spoilsport on Sunday as returning Australia captain Steve Smith and Pakistan star Babar Azam opened together for the first time in Big Bash League (BBL) history, during the 31st match of BBL 15 between Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Smith faced just five overs while opening for the Sixers before rain halted play. His innings featured a pull for six and a four past square leg. 

He was given a reprieve on 15 when he skied one off Test teammate Beau Webster, but Mitchell Owen could not cover the ground in time to take the catch.

Rain forced the covers onto the pitch around 2:30pm, and the match was eventually abandoned at 4:22pm, with both sides sharing the points. 

Cricket Australia will have to refund the crowd, as less than the minimum six overs per side were completed. Ironically, Sydney had seen temperatures above 40°C just the day before.

At the close, Sixers were 32 without loss, with Smith unbeaten on 19 off 16 balls and Babar on nine off 14. Smith, who scored a Test century at the SCG last week, is set to be available for the remainder of the BBL.

Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes, currently leading the points table, missed an opportunity to secure a top spot with the draw. 

They will forfeit first place if they lose to Brisbane Heat in their final match and Melbourne Stars win their last two games.

For the unversed, fourth-placed Sixers remain in contention for the finals and will welcome back Mitchell Starc for his first BBL appearance since 2014, when they take on Sydney Thunder on Friday night.