END OF OVER:20 | 21 Runs 1 Wkt | IU: 220/6 | RR: 11.00
- Faheem Ashraf17 (6b)
- Odean Smith4-0-41-2
- Mohammad Hasnain4-0-52-2
8:47pm Oh, wow! That was a very, very special batting performance from Islamabad and Azam, in particular. They found themselves in some strife, getting reduced to 71-4 inside 10 overs. But then, Azam took matters into his own hands. The loss of wickets did not bother him and he continued on his merry way, helping Islamabad amass 143 runs in the final 10 overs. Asif also played his part, as did Munro at the top of the order but tonight, so far, belongs to Azam and his epic knock.
The Gladiators did not quite help himself by bowling on both sides of the wicket. Their ploy to bowl short at Azam also backfired and by the time they understood they were erring, it was too late and the momentum was completely with Islamabad. The Gladiators have a strong batting unit themselves but they will need something spectacular to turn this around. Do join us in a bit for the run-chase!
Azam Khan: (On his thought process) To be very honest, I knew I was in good form. I was batting well in the BPL and was trying to continue it. We were four wickets down and I was thinking of taking it deep and I have the belief that I can change the game at any moment. I practice range hitting so that I get a good idea about my strokes. T20 cricket is so fast at the moment and you need the acceleration at the right moment. (On his missed century) I was eyeing that century and if I would have gotten to the century, it would have been a huge milestone. The way my father has supported me, it is special. A lot of people said I could not play, and that I would stay behind because of my father (Moin Khan) but I am what I am because of him.
Azam Khan b Smith 97 (66m 42b 9x4 8x6) SR: 230.95
The crowd cheers as Azam gets back on strike. He needs 13 runs for a hundred as well!
Right. Looks like Faheem wants to have a say in this amazing finishing act Islamabad are putting together
How far can Azam take Islamabad here? 210? 220? Smith to bowl the final over
END OF OVER:19 | 20 Runs | IU: 199/5 | RR: 10.47
- Faheem Ashraf6 (3b)
- Azam Khan87 (39b)
- Mohammad Hasnain4-0-52-2
- Naseem Shah4-0-32-1
Sarfaraz now having a conversation with his bowler. Surely the plan must be to not bowl short?
Two overs left. Surely 200 is on the cards? With the way Azam is batting, even a score of 210 might not be out of reach
END OF OVER:18 | 10 Runs 1 Wkt | IU: 179/5 | RR: 9.94
- Faheem Ashraf5 (2b)
- Azam Khan69 (34b)
- Naseem Shah4-0-32-1
- Mohammad Hasnain3-0-33-2
Faheem is the new batter at the crease
Asif Ali c Guptill b Naseem Shah 42 (36m 24b 1x4 4x6) SR: 175.00
END OF OVER:17 | 22 Runs | IU: 169/4 | RR: 9.94
- Azam Khan64 (32b)
- Asif Ali42 (22b)
- Mohammad Hasnain3-0-33-2
- Aimal Khan4-0-55-1