After batting at No. 4 in Lahore’s first two matches, Emon was promoted to open in the side’s third game against Multan Sultans, with Fakhar Zaman unavailable due to suspension.
The move paid off instantly as the left-hander smashed a stunning 45 off just 19 balls, playing a key role in Lahore’s 20-run win in a rain-shortened contest.
It was Emon’s first major statement in franchise cricket, having scored 14 and 12 in his first two outings against Hyderabad Kingsmen and Karachi Kings.
In a match reduced to 13 overs, Emon and Mohammad Naim gave Lahore a dream start, putting together a blistering 86-run opening stand off just 31 balls. The pair also collected 26 runs in the very first over, setting the tone for the innings.
Speaking in a short interview on the PSL’s Facebook page, Emon said he simply tried to read the conditions and react to the ball.
“The conditions were really good for batting. I tried to play according to the quality of the ball. That start really set the tone for the match and we just played according to that. We were just trying to watch the ball and whenever we got the chance, we hit it,” Emon said.
While Naim led the charge early and eventually made 60 off 28 balls to win the Player of the Match award, Emon also made a big impression with his fearless hitting.
After a relatively watchful start, he broke free in the fourth over, taking 19 runs off Mohammad Nawaz. He then underlined his range by smashing three consecutive sixes off Faisal Akram in the following over.
Emon’s innings ended on 45 from 19 deliveries, featuring five sixes and two fours, before he was caught by Nawaz off Muhammad Ismail. His explosive knock, played at a strike rate of 236.84, earned him both the ‘Moment of the Match’ and ‘Super Power of the Match’ awards.
Despite the game being shortened to 13 overs, Emon said he did not alter his natural approach.
“We just played with a free mind and played our natural game. We just played normal cricket and that’s what brought us success,” he said.
