Iftikhar attained this feat during the second T20 match between Australia and Pakistan in Canberra.
Iftikhar made 62 runs from just 34 deliveries, taking Pakistan’s strike rate to 182.35. He hit 5 fours and 3 sixes, helping Pakistan score a total of 150 runs in 20 overs.
The feat is considered praiseworthy as it is difficult to make such a score in the second half of the match with one being one of the last five batsmen.
The previous record was held by Australian skipper Aaron Finch, who scored 53 runs in 33 balls against England in 2011.
The batting all-rounder expressed his joy at his performance and stated after the match, “I play according to the team’s requirements and try to perform whenever I get the chance to do so.”
He added that the wicket wasn’t easy, but he always tried to be positive as he intended to play on a ball by ball basis. He said, “Whenever I could, I attacked and tried to hit boundaries. That improved my strike rate and helped me to make some runs.”
The match was however won by Australia by seven wickets, with Steve Smith declared Man of the Match.
Iftikhar said that Pakistan’s score making was hindered by the early loss of wickets.