ILT20: Shaheen Afridi and Azam Khan beat jet lag to make winning start for Desert Vipers

Shaheen Afridi and Azam Khan overcame jet lag as they combined to make a winning start on their shared DP World International League T20 debuts.

The duo arrived in Dubai on Tuesday morning from Pakistan’s series loss in New Zealand. They crossed nine time zones to get here.

Azam at least managed a light training session at the ICC Academy later that day, but that was beyond fast bowler Shaheen.

He still looked shattered as he was introduced to his new teammates ahead of his debut for Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Despite the imperfect prep, “the Eagle” soared on his much-anticipated bow in the UAE’s franchise competition.

He took a wicket with the eighth ball he sent down, took 3-22 all in, and between innings was given the white, boxing-style belt for the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

Azam, who took a fine running catch to dismiss Chris Lynn, then played a fine hand with the bat. The wicketkeeper hit 26 not out in 14 balls.

The pair’s contribution was crucial as the Vipers defeated Gulf Giants, the side who beat them in last year’s final, by six wickets.

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