Published: Apr 30, 2016, 02:14 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 30, 2016, 02:14 PM (IST)
Pakistan Cup 2016, inaugural edition has begun with the game between Islamabad knocked out from the league after being defeated by Balochistan. From the entire inning, an interesting record took place. Just a day before the match, Misbah-ul-Haq would not be playing against Balochistan as he would be leaving to perform Umrah at Jeddah. Taking this opportunity into consideration, Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew Imam-ul-Haq made his debut and was successful in securing his maiden century on his debut. He scored 126-ball 102, ultimately Islamabad being knocked being at the bottom of the table gaining just 2 points. ALSO READ: England vs Pakistan 2016-17: Misbah-ul-Haq among other senior Pakistan cricketers disallowed to tour with A team
Imam had never played at the Pakistan Cup before, and him being promoted so suddenly incited some adverse reactions. Since Imam’s relation with Pakistan chief selector was he included in the in the side and made captain. Imam was not included in the players draft as well before the tournament began. With Misbah’s sudden change of the plans, Imam was included in the squad at the end moment. Despite Islamabad are ousted from the tournament, Imam has earned the name for his innings. ALSO READ: Islamabad team and schedule in Pakistan Cup 2016: Islamabad squad and match details for Pakistan Cup 2016
Imam alongside skipper Kamran Akmal put up a mammoth partnership of 197-runs on Thursday. As of this year’s Pakistan Cup, this has been the highest partnership so far. It was broken in the 41st over by Bilawal Bhatti, with Imam’s stumps also being broken in the process. However, Imam’s knock included 10 fours and was a sensible innings by him at the time of need. This could be the opportunity for him to open the gates for playing at national side.
