Abu Dhabi: Debutant Imam Ul Haq heralded his arrival on the big stage with a century as Pakistan clinched the five-match ODI series by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead, thrashing Sri Lanka by seven wickets in 42.4 overs at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Imam silenced the critics who were up in arms over his selection, being the nephew of legendary Inzamam Ul Haq, the chairman of selectors. In the process, Imam also became only the second Pakistani batsman after Saleem Elahi to hit a century on debut against the same opposition in 1995.
The visitors were once again no match to the hosts after speedster Hassan Ali ripped through their batting-line with career best figures of 5 for 34 to restrict the Sri Lankans to a modest total of 208 in 48.2 overs.
With Imam straightaway hogging the limelight with a mature innings of 100 off 125 balls, he has laid a strong claim at the top of the order, which has long been a worry for Pakistan.
The 21-year-old southpaw, who plays his cricket wearing spectacles, made light of the Sri Lankan total with his crisp batting.
Imam set the tone by putting up a partnership of 78 for the first wicket with Fakhar Zaman (29). And once the maiden 50 was under his belt, off 67 balls deliveries, even the helmet was off, allowing the cricketing world to get a clear view of not only his face but the potential he holds.
He was more authoritative than the centurion from the last two outings, Babar Azam, who managed a 30 off 39 balls.
A faint edge while on 89 off Dushmantha Chameera threatened to spoil Imam’s big day. He was walking dejected but umpires called him back after reviews showed that stumper Niroshan Dickwella had grassed it. That lifeline was enough for Imam to get to the three figure mark but he couldn’t bat through and was out caught behind off Thisara Perera, with Pakistan needing just six to seal the win.
