Imam-ul-Haq makes an emphatic start to his senior career for Islamabad
Inzy's nephew posts Pakistan Cup ton
Stepping in for Misbah-ul-Haq is an intimidating task at the best of times – but the pressure becomes even greater when you are the nephew of Inzamam-ul-Haq.
But if Imam-ul-Haq – the 20-year-old nephew of former Pakistan captain Inzama – was feeling nervous coming into Islamabad’s XI for their Pakistan Cup clash against Baluchistan on Thursday, it didn’t show as he struck a 126-ball 102 in his first senior match.
It was Imam’s first appearance in Pakistan’s domestic one-day competition, called into the Islamabad side in place of captain Misbah, who had left the side to perform Umrah at Jeddah.
Quick single: Pakistan, Sri Lanka give thumbs up to points system
He combined with captain Kamran Akmal (134) in a 197-run partnership, the highest partnership of this year’s edition of the Pakistan Cup, with his century featuring 10 boundaries.
However his heroics were not enough, as Baluchistan chased Islamabad’s 8-315 with three wickets in hand and two balls to spare.
Imam looks set to one day follow in his famous uncle’s footsteps if his statistics at Under-19 level are anything to go by. Having represented Pakistan in two Under-19 World Cups, he is one of only 18 players to have scored more than 1000 runs at the level.
Inzamam was appointed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief selector last month after resigning from his previous post as head coach of Afghanistan.