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In Match 13 of the International League (IL)T20 2025 between Desert Vipers and Dubai Capitals on Monday (January 20), Zahir Khan produced a masterclass in wrist-spin bowling to dismiss Pakistan’s hard-hitting batter Azam Khan.
Zahir Khan dismisses Pakistan’s Azam Khan with a stunning delivery
On fifth ball of the 15th over, Zahir , known for his ability to extract sharp turn from the surface, bowled a delivery that was slightly shorter in length and pitched wide of the off stump, approximately on the seventh-stump line. The ball had a massive amount of turn and kept lower than expected. Azam, anticipating a slightly higher bounce, attempted to pull the ball toward the midwicket region. However, the sharp turn combined with the lack of bounce completely deceived the batter.
As Azam swung through the line, the ball spun sharply inward, breaching his defenses and clipping the leg stump. It was a textbook example of how a wrist-spinner can use variations in turn and bounce to unsettle even the most aggressive batters.
Azam had looked to inject momentum into the innings with his aggressive approach. Facing just seven balls, he had already smashed one six, indicating his intent to dominate the bowlers. However, Zahir’s tactical brilliance ensured that Azam’s stay at the crease was short-lived. The turn on the delivery was so exaggerated that even a batter of Azam’s caliber found himself completely outfoxed.
Here’s the video:
Ripper from Zahir! 👌
Azam walks back to the hut after going downtown 🫣#ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa #DPWorldILT20 #DCvDV pic.twitter.com/yTlkdblirP
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 20, 2025
Also WATCH: Gerhard Erasmus and Ibrahim Zadran combine for stunning catch to dismiss Andre Russell in ILT20 2025
Dubai Capitals’ playoff hopes alive with crucial win over Desert Vipers
The Vipers posted a modest total of 139, with Alex Hales (34 off 31) and Sherfane Rutherford (27 off 24) making notable contributions. Zahir (3/34) and Dushmantha Chameera (3/26) led the Capitals’ bowling attack. Gulbadin Naib chipped in with a tight spell, taking 1/10 in 2 overs. The Capitals chased the target with ease, thanks to a match-winning knock from Gulbadin (78 not out off 51, 3 fours, 5 sixes). Despite early setbacks, Naib steadied the innings alongside Sikandar Raza (24 off 26) before Najibullah Zadran (10 not out off 10) ensured a comfortable finish.
