Quetta Gladiators’ captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s prediction about teammate Azam Khan came true, after the latter scored a match-winning half-century in the opening match of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the National Stadium in Karachi.  

Back in November 2017, Sarfraz had strongly denied speculation that the Gladiators picked youngster Azam Khan because him being the son of former cricketer Moin Khan.

“Azam has been performing [well] in domestic cricket and Ramazan tournaments. He is pure T20 material, for which he was picked and once he plays in the PSL I don’t think anybody will question his selection,” said Sarfaraz while talking exclusively to The Express Tribune.

It must be noted that pacer Mohammad Hasnain’s maiden four-wicket haul and Azam Khan’s first-ever half-century helped Quetta Gladiators to begin their title defence with a three-wicket win over Islamabad United on Thursday.

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Hasnain returned four for 25 in his four overs which played a crucial role in bowling out Islamabad United for 168 in 19.1 overs after Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed opted to bowl.

Quetta Gladiators chased down the target with nine balls spare as Azam, playing only his second T20, scored 59 off 33, hitting five fours and three sixes.

The 21-year-old crafted a crucial 62-run partnership with his captain Sarfaraz (21 off 18) to help Gladiators recover from 26 for three.