Hosts Belgium Make a Comeback For The Ages After Saber Zakhil’s Stunning Century In The 2nd T20I

In a T20I game, Belgium made a legendary comeback courtesy of Saber Zakhil’s brilliance against Austria after being down in the dumps. During the 2nd T20I played at Waterloo in Belgium, the hosts pulled a rabbit out of the hat to script a stunning turn-around.

After being put in to bat first, Belgium had a disaster of a start. They lost at least a wicket every over till the sixth and were placed in a horrendous position at 14/8. All the eight batsmen who were dismissed managed only single-digit scores. What followed, however, is a story that’s barely believable.

Belgium bowler Saber Zakhil was left with Saqlain Ali and nearly 14 overs remained. From there on, Zakhil launched a stunning counter-attack, which left Austria in tatters. He dispatched the bowling all around the park, bringing up a breath-taking century in just 47 balls. Saqlain played his part as well by not throwing his wicket away.

Eventually, Belgium reached 146/8, with Zakhil becoming the first man in T20I history to score a century at No.8. Austria in their chase was at 37/3 before rain interrupted the match. The DLS method then came into play and Belgium was ruled as victors by 12 runs. Zakhil’s innings might go down as one of the best rearguard actions in cricketing history.

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So this happened in a T20I today. pic.twitter.com/bX9Gr4yop3

— Andrew Nixon (@andrewnixon79@mastodon.world) (@andrewnixon79) July 24, 2021

Belgium secure the series on the back of Saber Zakhil’s knock

Belgium came into the game having won the first game quite comfortably. They restricted the visitors, Austria, to 195/7 before chasing the target down with 12 balls to spare. Twin fifties from Shahil Momin and skipper Razman Shigiwal saw them through.

In the 2nd T20I, Belgium was in a precarious position but individual brilliance from Saber Zakhil helped them comeback and secure the series. They go into the third T20I, which will be a dead-rubber, on July 25, Sunday. Austria will be looking for a consolation win in the final T20I.

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