RAJKOT: Soon after he took four for 12, including three wickets in one over, to bundle out South Africa for 87 and shape India’s massive 82-run triumph which helped the hosts come from behind and square the T20I series 2-2 at the SCA Stadium in Khanderi here, pacer Avesh Khan dedicated his career-best T20I performance to his dad Ashique Khan on the latter’s birthday.
Having conceded 87 runs in 11 overs in the first three games, the 25-year-old quick was under pressure, with many questioning his place in the side, asking him to be replaced by pace merchant Umran Malik or Arshdeep Singh in the XI. However, Avesh shut his critics for the time being with a lethal spell, riding on the extra bounce in the wicket to prise out Dwayne Pretorious (0), Rassie Van der Dussen (20), Marco Jansen (12), whom he ‘softened up’ with a blow to his helmet before knocking him off, and Keshav Maharaj (0).
