Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi praised Islamabad United’s Azam Khan for his magnificent knock against Quetta Gladiators in the 13th match of the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
United’s batter scored 97 runs off 42 balls, including nine boundaries and eight maximums. The wicketkeeper-batter and Asif Ali put on a sensational 98-run fifth-wicket stand off just 45 balls to get their team back into the game.
Azam’s performance was so outstanding that everyone felt compelled to applaud him. Cricketing superstar Afridi, nicknamed Boom Boom Afridi for his ability to hit opposition bowlers for big sixes, was also impressed and took part.
“Well played Azam Khan boom boom innings, fearless,” Afridi wrote on Twitter.
Well played @MAzamKhan45 boom boom innings, fearless #HBLPSL8
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) February 24, 2023
Choosing to bat first, United set a massive 221-run target before bowling out Quetta for 157 in 19.1 overs, thanks to a sensational batting display by Azam and a great bowling performance.
Quetta struggled to find momentum in response to the large total, losing quick wickets.
Mohammad Hafeez, a veteran all-rounder, played a crucial innings, scoring 48 runs off 26 balls to help a struggling Quetta get back on track.
Hafeez’s innings resulted in a 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket with skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Iftikhar Ahmed attempted to take command, but he couldn’t get going. Before being out by Hasan Ali, the right-handed batter scored 39 runs on 27 balls.
Fazalhaq Farooqi and Hasan Ali each took three wickets for Islamabad, while Shadab Khan and Abrab Ahmed each took two.
