BBL 2025-26: Usman Khawaja mimics Steven Smith’s celebration after Fifty on return

Former Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja recreated one of his teammate’s celebrations after scoring a half-century on his return to the Big Bash League (BBL). It was Khawaja’s first BBL fifty in three years, despite this being his fourth appearance in the tournament during that period.

His innings played a key role in Brisbane Heat’s comfortable seven-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder, with 22 balls to spare. Batting first, Sydney Thunder posted 180 runs, with David Warner top-scoring with 82 off 56 balls. In reply, Khawaja led the chase with a fluent 78 off 48 deliveries. He added 57 runs for the opening wicket with Jake Weatherald and later stitched together a crucial 93-run partnership with Matt Renshaw.

Upon reaching his fifty, Khawaja celebrated by imitating Steven Smith’s V-grip celebration, which Smith had famously performed during the 2025-26 Ashes series against Jofra Archer. Khawaja struck seven fours and three sixes during his innings and reached the milestone with a boundary before recreating the celebration of his former Australian teammate.

Khawaja was dismissed in the 16th over, but by then the chase was firmly under control. Brisbane Heat completed the pursuit in the following over, with Max Bryant hitting the winning runs. For his match-winning contribution, Khawaja was named Player of the Match.

Speaking after the game, Khawaja said he simply loves batting and was delighted to soak in the energy from the Brisbane crowd. He also mentioned that missing the recent Ashes Test at the WACA was disappointing, but felt his performance in the match helped make up for it. Khawaja added that he did not think too much about switching formats and instead focused on finding his rhythm at the crease.

"I just love batting, honestly. I love the crowd here, the energy is unreal, and I love the gaffer as well. I was really disappointed to miss the Test match here, but getting the chance to bat in front of these fans makes up for it in a big way. Being out there and soaking it all in was special," said Khawaja in the post-match presentation.

"I wasn’t thinking too much about the format while I was just batting. I managed to get a couple of nice ones away early, and once you get that feel, everything becomes easier. That’s always the hardest part - finding your rhythm," he added.