Babar Azam shines in BPL, Pakistan players face mixed fortunes in ILT20

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Pakistan's cricketers showcased their prowess in the ongoing T20 leagues, with former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam emerging as a standout performer in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024. 

Representing the Rangpur Riders, Babar dominated the batting charts as the leading run-scorer, amassing 251 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 50.20. Despite a relatively lower strike-rate of 114.61, Babar's consistency stood out, with two half-centuries to his name, making him a vital asset for his team.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Shahzad stepped up for Fortune Barishal, seizing the opportunity presented by veteran Shoaib Malik's absence. Shahzad's aggressive cameos, evident in his strike-rate of 155.12, added firepower to his team's batting lineup, as he accumulated 121 runs in just four matches, including a fifty.

However, disappointment loomed for the newly constructed Pakistan's T20I opening pair in the BPL. Mohammad Rizwan's stint with the Comilla Victorians saw him struggling to find form, managing just 85 runs in five matches at a modest average of 21.25. 

Similarly, Saim Ayub's performance for Durdanto Dhaka fell short of expectations, as he scored 77 runs in five matches at an average of 15.40.

Switching focus to bowling, Pakistan's young pace sensation, Mohammad Imran, made waves with his remarkable performance for Fortune Barishal. Imran's ten wickets in six matches at an average of 18.80 showcased his potential, reaffirming Pakistan's fast-bowling prowess. Faheem Ashraf, representing Khulna Tigers, impressed with eight wickets in four matches, while Aamer Jamal's six wickets in three matches, including the first fifer of the tournament, added to Pakistan's bowling dominance.

Meanwhile in ILT20 2024, Pakistan players showcased a mixed bag of performances representing various franchise teams. Among them, Azam Khan emerged as a standout with his explosive batting for the Desert Vipers.

Azam's roller coaster ride in the tournament culminated in a remarkable feat as he smashed the fastest fifty in ILT20 cricket history, achieving the milestone in just 18 deliveries while representing the Desert Vipers. Despite his aggressive batting style, he managed to accumulate 159 runs in seven matches at an average of 31.80 and an impressive strike-rate of 176.66.

However, the tournament wasn't as fruitful for all Pakistan players. Imad Wasim, representing Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, scored 52 runs in nine matches. However, he has managed to pick up 10 wickets in nine matches so far at an economy of 7.50.

On the bowling front, the Pakistan pace duo of Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Afridi showcased their prowess. Mohammad Amir proved to be a potent weapon for the Desert Vipers, claiming 11 wickets in seven matches at an average of 18.72 and an economy of 7.62, securing the sixth spot in the tournament's highest wicket-takers list.

Shaheen Afridi, although aggressive in his bowling, faced challenges in picking up wickets, managing only six wickets in five matches. 

Shadab Khan, who returned after recovering from injury, struggled to find his form, scoring only 22 runs in three matches and remained wicketless while representing the Vipers in the tournament.