After 17 overs, Islamabad United was at 173 for 3 chasing 202. Then, something big happened. Azam Khan, who scored 75 runs from just 30 balls, got out, leaving space for a new hero. Arif Yaqoob, a 29-year-old playing his 15th T20 match, did something amazing.
He took four wickets in one over with his leg spin bowling. ESPNcricinfo‘s Forecaster tool showed a huge change: Peshawar Zalmi’s chances of winning jumped from 37% to 91% in just six balls. Here’s what happened:
It started in the 18th over when the first setback occurred.
At 17.6 overs, Naveen-ul-Haq bowled to Azam Khan, who got out. The ball was good, Azam tried to hit it hard but missed, and Babar Azam caught it brilliantly. Azam Khan was disappointed with himself for not doing better. He misjudged the delivery and lost his balance while trying to hit it hard.
Azam Khan scored 75 runs from 30 balls, with 6 fours and 6 sixes.
At 18.1 overs, Arif Yaqoob bowled to Munro, who also got out. Munro tried to hit a big shot but missed, and Haseebullah Khan quickly removed the bails. Munro had to leave the field. The game was getting more intense.
Munro scored 71 runs from 53 balls, with 7 fours and 1 six.
Then, at 18.2 overs, Arif Yaqoob bowled to Faheem, who scored 1 run.
At 18.3 overs, Yaqoob bowled to Haider Ali, who got out without scoring any runs.
At 18.4 overs, Yaqoob bowled to Imad Wasim, who got 1 leg bye.
At 18.5 overs, Yaqoob bowled to Faheem again, who got out this time. Faheem tried a tricky shot but failed, and Luke Wood caught the ball easily. Arif was very happy with his performance.
Faheem Ashraf scored 1 run from 2 balls.
At 18.6 overs, Arif bowled to Hunain Shah, who also got out without scoring any runs. Rovman Powell caught the ball, and there was chaos on the field.
Hunain Shah scored 0 runs from 1 ball.
From needing 21 runs to win in the final two overs, with six wickets left, United suddenly lost the game. Arif made it happen. Just nine days ago, nobody knew about him. Now, he’s the star of the show.
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