Shoaib Malik truly found his groove in Pakistan’s last Super 12 game against Scotland with fastest-century for Pakistan in the format. Malik reached his half-century in just 18 deliveries also making it the joint-fastest half-century of T20 World Cup 2021.
The previous fastest half-century by a Pakistan batter is from 21 deliveries. Umar Akmal achieved the feat in 2010 against Australia.
Malik was at his destructive best in death overs. The 39-year-old’s 18-ball 54 is also the joint third-fastest half-century in T20 World Cup over the years. The veteran’s record-breaking knock included six sixes and just one four. He scored 40 out of 54 runs via boundaries.
Malik was batting on 32 off 14 deliveries before Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer decided to give leg-spinner Chris Greaves the final over. Coetzer made a mistake as Malik is an exceptional player of spin. Getting the strike on the third ball of the over, Malik hit 22 runs off the final four deliveries including three sixes to reach his third T20 World Cup century.
Malik has been incredible for Pakistan in the middle order in the last few matches. Against Scotland, he overshadowed Pakistan’s designated finisher Asif Ali by taking the charge against the spinner.
Interestingly, Malik was not even there in the initial T20 World Cup squad of Pakistan. He was included in the side after Sohaib Maqsood got injured. Malik is currently Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in T20 World Cups with 645 runs from 33 matches at an average of 35.83 including three half-centuries.
