You heard the name right! Named after the former Indian skipper, Mohammad Azharudden the 26-year-old Kerala boy lit up the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 on Wednesday with a 37-ball hundred. And what makes the knock even special is it came against one of India’s most dominant cricketing sides and that too at the Wankhede Stadium.
Ahead of IPL 2021, Azharudden’s knock can prove crucial for the batsman, and there’s no doubt the player is going places. Squaring off against Mumbai in the domestic T20 tournament, Kerala stomped over Mumbai’s bowling to achieve a target of 197 in just 15.5 overs.
Credit goes solely to the opening batter Azharudden, who slogged the bowlers all around the park. His adept batting made it too easy on the eyes and it seemed he is knocking around some school guys.
Who is Azharudden?
Born in Thalangara, Kerala, Azharudden was born in a cricket-loving family. In an interesting story, as quoted by Sportstar, Kerala’s head coach Tinu Yohannan told the story about why the name? It was given by Azharudden’s elder brother who was a massive fan of the former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin.
Mumbai vs Kerala:
Batting first, Mumbai got the apt start from openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (40 off 32) and Aditya Tare (42 off 31). The start got going through the skipper and Mumbai Indians’ player Suryakumar Yadav (38 off 19). With a little help from Shivam Dube (26 off 13) during the end overs, Mumbai posted a handsome total of 196. For Kerala Jalaj Saxena and KM Asif picked up 3 wickets apiece.
Chasing 196, Kerala got a flying start from Azharudden and Robin Uthappa. Kerala were already within 150 run mark in their first 11 overs. Azharudden was striking at a rate of 253.70. In his innings of 137* from 54 deliveries, he whacked 11 sixes and 9 fours.
