Hasan Nawaz returns to desert Vipers for ILT20 season 5

Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz has returned to the Desert Vipers squad for the fifth edition of the International League T20 (ILT20), replacing England’s Aneurin Donald.

The 24-year-old was part of the Vipers’ title-winning campaign last season and will once again represent the defending champions in the tournament, which is scheduled to run from November 21 to December 20.

Donald became unavailable after earning selection for England’s upcoming T20I series against Australia, prompting the franchise to bring Nawaz back into the squad.

Nawaz’s inclusion adds further strength to the Vipers’ Pakistani contingent, which already features prominent players such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah.

Although Nawaz managed 124 runs at an average of 15.50 during the previous ILT20 campaign, he made a notable contribution in the field by taking 12 catches in 13 matches.

The young batter has since demonstrated improved form in T20 cricket. During the Pakistan Super League, he scored 291 runs at an average of 32.33 and a strike rate of 134.10, showcasing greater consistency with the bat.

He continued his impressive run in the Caribbean Premier League, scoring 220 runs for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. Nawaz finished as the franchise’s joint-leading run-scorer alongside Evin Lewis and helped the team secure the championship.

His recent performances will provide encouragement as he prepares for another opportunity with the Desert Vipers, who will aim to defend their ILT20 crown in the upcoming season.