Azam Khan’s fastest half century in ILT20 history helps Desert Vipers sink Gulf Giants

Azam Khan hit the fastest half century in the history of DP World ILT20 off just 18 balls to lift Desert Vipers to a six-wicket win over Gulf Giants in the 19th match of this season at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

Khan remained unconquered on 50 off 20 balls with five boundaries and four sixes, and along with his skipper Colin Munro, who scored 51 off 36 balls with six boundaries and two sixes, they won the match with 19 balls to spare.

This victory helped Vipers move to the third slot in the points table while defending champions Giants slipped to the bottom of the table.

Speaking after the match, Khan said: “I enjoyed the knock and I knew I would be able to win the match at any point of time. I am very happy about it. When you bat in the middle, you cannot be consistent all the time, but what matters is the strike rate. If my strike rate is good, it is good for my team too. Each win is good for the confidence of the team. I also feel motivated when the crowd is cheering.

The more one practices, the better one becomes, and you’ve got to have confidence in yourself. This tournament is good for the Pakistan players as they are performing so well in this great league. It is also good for their careers as many are going for the PSL.”

In the second match of the day, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders sealed a commanding 29-run victory over Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Steering the Dubai Capitals run chase, David Warner and Jason Holder scored 42 runs each, but the lack of support around them and a shrewd display by the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ bowling unit saw the Capitals’ run chase fizzle out.

Abu Dhabi’s David Willey, Sunil Narine and Imad Wasim were exceptional with the ball picking up two wickets each.

David Willey delivered a comprehensive Player of the Match performance with an impactful knock of 26 runs in 18 balls while denting the Capitals’ top order with the crucial wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sam Billings.

Speaking on the victory, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders skipper, Sunil Narine said: “The way we started with the bat in the powerplay, could have been better. Thanks to Russell, we got to that score. The bowlers started off brilliantly, and we would like to have a perfect game (without drop catches), but we will take the win”

Echoing these sentiments, Player of the Match, Davil Willey said: “We have got a great group of guys and everybody is chipping in. It is nice to get the win. I am happy that there is a little bit out there with the new ball for me. I would like to think I am peaking at the right time and hopefully we start to gel well and get results in our favor.”

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