DUBAI: Azam Khan hit the fastest half-century in ILT20 history off just 18 balls to lift Desert Vipers to a six-wicket win over Gulf Giants in Match 19 of ILT20 Season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Khan remained unbeaten on 50 off 20 balls with five boundaries and four sixes and along with his captain Colin Munro, who scored 51 off 36 balls with six boundaries and two sixes, won the match with 19 balls to spare. The win helped the Vipers move to third position in the points table, while the defending champions Giants slipped to the bottom of the table.
The ease with which Azam Khan hit sixes and scored boundaries off unorthodox shots enthralled the large crowd on Saturday as Vipers chased down a target of 161 to win in 16.5 overs.
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Gulf Giants posted 160 for 7 in 20 overs through Chris Lynn’s 31, Jordan Cox’s 26 and Shimron Hetmyer’s brisk unbeaten 40 off 23 balls with five boundaries and one six. Mohammad Amir bowled superbly to check the run-rate with a spell of 3 for 34, supported by Waninda Hasaranga (2 for 15) and Matheesha Pathirana (2 for 38).
Short Score:
Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants in 6 weeks.
Gulf Giants 160 for 7 in 20 overs (Chris Lynn 31, Jordan Cox 26, Shimron Hetmyer 40n.o, Mohammad Amir 3 for 34, Wanindu Hasaranga 2 for 15, Matheesha Pathirana 2 for 38)
Desert Vipers 161 for 4 in 16.5 overs (Alex Hales 44, Colin Munro 51, Azam Khan 50n.o, Zuhaib Zubair 2 for 49)
