Azam Khan. (Photo by ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Pakistan’s Azam Khan has once again come into limelight with his sensational 42-ball 97-run knock against Quetta Gladiators, played on February 24 in the 13th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League. Coming in to bat at no. five, Khan smacked nine fours and eight sixes to take Islamabad United to 220/6 in their first innings. The innings was all the more special for the young batting sensation as he had come in to bat at a time when the United were reeling at 71/4 after 9.5 overs. From there on, he got involved in a 98-run partnership for the fifth wicket with another dasher Asif Ali in just 45 balls, to not only stabilise the debilitated innings but also accelerate the scoring rate to skyrocket United’s chances against Gladiators.
After his breathtaking knock, Khan was being compared with India’s batting star Suryakumar Yadav because of the flambouyant knock. However, Khan revealed that it was actually Tim David who inspired him more, as both bat in similar positions in franchise cricket.
“The position I bat at, you know the situation is quite difficult. Either the score is about 40 for four or 180 or 160 for two, so then you need to go and finish the match. It is a really difficult role. But I am more inspired from (by) Tim David nowadays. He hits big shots and I know and understand his batting role because I play at the same position. Suryakumar often plays one down which is like top order,” Azam was quoted as saying by paktv.tv.
Azam Khan and Faheem Ashraf added 51 runs in last 16 deliveries
In the last three overs, Khan shifted to the top gear and unleashed his beast mode on the Gladiators scoring 33 runs in just 10 balls. He was unmoved by Ali’s dismissal in the 18th over and took it from there to wreak havoc on the Gladiators. After Ali’s dismissal, he was joined in the middle by Faheem Ashraf who ably supported Khan, giving him more chances to carry on his doughty innings. Ashraf too made full use of the 6 balls he got to play, dispensing them off for two boundaries and one six to collect 17 runs.
In reply, the Gladiators were bundled out for 157 in 19.1 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Hasan Ali picked up three wickets each for the United.
Azam Khan is the leading run-scorer for the United in the ongoing PSL season with 166 runs to his name in four innings at an average of 55.33 and a magnificent strike rate of 184.44. After their win in the last game, the United climbed up to the second position in the points table with three wins in four matches.