Azam carries Quetta to second win in PSL
Shehzad continues poor form
KARACHI, Pakistan, Feb 23, (AP): Azam Khan continued to inspire with his batting as title defenders Quetta Gladiators made up for three run-outs and beat Karachi Kings by five wickets in the Pakistan Super League on Sunday.
The 21-year-old Azam, son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan who is now coach of Quetta, scored 46 off 30 balls and guided the team to 157-5 with an over to spare.
“Credit goes to Azam, the way he played under pressure, it was very pleasing to see,” said Quetta captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
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“The required run rate went up to nine runs an over, but Azam kept his composure and played a matchwinning knock.”
Quetta now have four points after playing three games in four days. They beat two-time champions Islamabad United in the opening game before losing to 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday.
Sarfaraz remained unbeaten on 37 off 28 balls and featured in a match-winning 85-run fourth wicket stand with Azam after Quetta’s overseas signings Shane Watson (27) of Australia and Jason Roy (17) of England were run out.
Ahmed Shehzad (11) continued his poor form and left Quetta reeling at 55-3 in the ninth over before Azam and Sarfaraz took the game away from Karachi to the disappointment of around 25,000 home fans at the National Stadium.
Azam, who scored 59 in Quetta’s victory in the opening game against Islamabad, missed his second half century when he was run-out in a mix-up with Sarfaraz in the 18th over, but by that time Quetta were well on their way to victory.
All-rounder Anwar Ali, who was drafted into Quetta’s side only after Umar Akmal was suspended for violating the anti-corruption code hours before the tournament began on Thursday, finished off the game in style by hitting Chris Jordan for a four and a six and remained unbeaten on 12.
Earlier, Karachi struggled to put on partnerships and were restricted to 156-9 after captain Imad Wasim won the toss and elected to bat.
Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam (26) survived a controversial caught behind appeal against young pace sensation Naseem Shah due to a technology failure.
Quetta went for a television referral, but the ultra-edge technology didn’t work and the third umpire retained the on-field umpire’s not out decision.
“We thought it was out because Babar was the key batsman, but according to the law, the third umpire went with the on-field umpire’s decision because the technology didn’t work,” Sarfaraz said.
Babar was on 24 when he survived because of the technology glitch, but didn’t last much longer when he dragged Tymal Mills’s full length delivery back onto his stumps and was clean bowled.
Alex Hales, playing his first game in this year’s PSL, top scored with 29 and Cameron Delport scored 25 before both fell to Pakistan international fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who took 3-33.
Karachi, who have never won the PSL, have two points after two games. They won their high-scoring opening match against Peshawar Zalmi on Friday.