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

Last year’s runners-up avenge final defeat to Gulf Giants and claim first victory of new season inspired by Pakistani quartet

Shaheen Afridi took 3-22 took for Desert Vipers as they beat Gulf Giants by six wickets in their ILT20 clash at Dubai International Stadium on January 24,2024. All images by Chris Whiteoak / The National

Shimron Hetmyer scored 11 as Gulf Giants reached 160-6 in their innings.

Vipers bowler Tymal Mills celebrates after taking the wicket of Giants' Chris Lynn.

Jordan Cox scored 32 off 29 balls for Gulf Giants.

Shadab Khan was wicketless off his four overs for the Vipers that went for 40 runs.

Chris Lynn hits a six for Gulf Giants on his way to 63 off 42 balls.

Vipers bowler Shaheen Afridi celebrates of taking the wicket of Giants opener Jamie Smith for five.

Wanindu Hasaranga scored 42 off 19 balls for Desert Vipers who reached their target with eight balls to spare.

Giants bowler Richard Gleeson celebrates claiming the wicket of Vipers captain and opener Colin Munro for six.

Giants' Aayan Khan after catching out Vipers batter Alex Hales.

Vipers opener Alex Hales scored 21 off 20 balls.

Giants captain James Vince directs the field during the game.

Azam Khan scored an unbeaten 26 off 14 balls 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.

The third Pakistani debutant for the Vipers, Shadab Khan, did show signs of rust. The all-rounder is returning after an ankle injury.

He might need a little extra time to get up to full speed on this evidence, after he went for 40 in four wicketless overs.

The fourth member of the Pakistan quartet, Mohammed Amir, complemented Shaheen well with the new ball. He took 1-27 from his four overs.

The Vipers' victory lifted them off the foot of the table and means five teams are now level on two points at the start of the competition.