LAHORE: Azam Khan delivered a match-winning performance to guide Karachi Kings to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, as the Kings continued their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Chasing a challenging 198-run target, Karachi Kings showed composure and firepower to reach the total with four balls to spare.
The chase was anchored by captain David Warner and Azam Khan, who stitched together a crucial 76-run partnership for the third wicket.
Warner played a steady yet fluent innings of 50 off 36 deliveries, striking six fours and a six, while Azam took control with a blistering knock of 74 off just 34 balls, smashing six fours and as many sixes to take the game away from the opposition.
Despite his match-winning effort, Azam remained self-critical of his performance.
“I would say I was not really satisfied with the innings today because I gave a lot of chances, but obviously getting runs off the bat always feels nice,” he said.
The wicketkeeper-batter also spoke about his preferred batting position and preparation leading into the tournament.
“I really practiced a lot on my shots, and I had a gut feeling that they might send me at number four because I personally think that’s my ideal position after the powerplay,” he added.
Azam highlighted the importance of his partnership with Warner, revealing the simple strategy that guided their approach during the chase.
“That was a really crucial partnership. We decided that we have to take one boundary in every over. Scoring 200 in a T20 game is not that difficult now, but we needed that boundary each over, and we did that. I’m happy that we ended up winning.”
Reflecting on his journey over the past few months, Azam Khan credited his hard work and training for his improved performances.
“Since the last PSL, I haven’t played much professional cricket, but I’m in a good zone because I trained really hard in the past few months, and it’s showing on the ground,” he further revealed.
“The last seven to eight months have been difficult. I moved to Lahore from Karachi and trained at the National Cricket Academy. I’ve been putting in effort and repetitions every day, and it’s giving me confidence. I feel really confident about my game going forward in the tournament.”
Captain David Warner also praised Azam’s impactful innings, backing the young batter to carry the momentum through the season.
“That was fantastic. He just needed a bit of intent to come out and play his way, and we know what he’s capable of. To see him perform like that in the middle will hold him in good stead for the rest of the tournament.”
With three consecutive victories, Karachi Kings currently sit at the top of the HBL PSL 11 points table, building strong momentum early in the campaign.