ISLAMABAD: Pakistani batter Azam Khan smashed the fastest half-century of the DP World International League T20 tournament on Saturday, starring in the Desert Vipers’ six-wicket win over the Gulf Giants.
Khan, son of former Pakistani captain Moin Khan, scored his half-century in just 18 balls at the Dubai International Stadium. He remained unbeaten on 50 off 20 balls, his enthralling innings featuring five fours and four sixes.
“He came, he saw, he entertained,” the Desert Vipers wrote on social media platform X for Khan after the match ended.
Set a target of 161 runs to chase by the Giants, the Vipers successfully surpassed the target in the 17th over at the loss of only four wickets. Khan was helped in the chase by Colin Munro, who smashed 51 runs off 36 balls while Alex Hales scored 44 off 30 balls.
Earlier, Pakistani bowler Mohammad Amir also played a key role in troubling the Giants. He took three wickets in the match to return figures of 3/34 from his four overs.
Azam said the match-winning performances were important for Pakistani cricketers, who will be playing the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket later this month.
“For the Pakistani players, to be able to perform in such a great league is also good for their careers,” Azam said. “We are going to the PSL now and we will gain some confidence from the cricket we are playing here.
