Imam used PSL non-selection to sharpen his Test status

LONDON: Final day batting collapses have always been associated to Pakistan batting. And in recent times, they have made a hash of targets to end up handing the game to the opposition, like they did in Abu Dhabi against Sri Lanka, while chasing 136, last October. Or against West Indies when chasing 187 in April 2017. In August 2016, they had collapsed similarly on the British Isles when they were bundled out for 201 against England in the third of the four-match Test series at Edgbaston on Day 5, to hand England a 2-1 lead.

Pakistan were on their way to another collapse while chasing 160 in the one-off Test against Ireland when three of their most experienced batsmen - Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, and Asad Shafiq - were removed by the Irish bowlers with only 14 runs on board. But, debutant Imam-ul-Haq through a remarkable unbeaten 74 ensured that Pakistan crossed the line that day.

“I went in with a positive approach,” Imam said in an interview on phone. “Obviously, it was a pressure situation as the wicket was difficult and the conditions were also not conducive for the batsmen. But self-belief and confidence can take you out of any situations. I knew that I had done the hard work and it will pay off. On that wicket you had to back yourself [to play your shots]. I had decided to pounce on the bad balls. Babar Azam and I made sure that the scoreboard does not stop ticking,” the 22-year-old added.

Imam, nephew of former Pakistan captain and current chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, made his One-Day International debut against Sri Lanka in October last year after Azhar Ali was called home from the tour due to a knee injury. His selection sparked accusations of nepotism due to his connection with the national chief selector. However, Imam mashed it all with a brilliant century on debut. “There is this pressure,” said Imam, while reflecting on how the media reported his selection. “My blood relation is a reality and it cannot be denied. But, when it comes to the accusations of nepotism in the media, I try not to answer them with words. I try to keep myself mentally and physically fit on the field and answer them with the bat in my hand. I know when I will start to perform, such things will fade away. But, at the same time I realise that this cannot end altogether. They will resurface again when I will not be able to put up performances. “But, it helps me. It sparks the instincts of a fighter in me. It makes me want to prove myself. So, in a way this is positive for me.”

Following his debut for Pakistan, Imam played an instrumental role in helping his side Lahore Blues win the Domestic T20 Cup. The left-handed opener scored a half-century in the final against Lahore Whites. In total, he scored three fifties and registered 287 runs at an average of 41 which made him the fifth-highest run-getter in the tournament. However, that did not help him secure a spot in any of the six PSL franchises.

But Imam didn’t let that disappointment get in the way of his preparations by making the most of the facilities at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore while the third edition of the PSL was underway in the United Arab Emirates. “I took all of that distress and frustration out during my one and a half month long training at the National Cricket Academy. I want to thank Grant Flower [Pakistan batting coach] who helped me in gym training and took a special time out for me to better my batting. I had put in the hard yards in that month and I thank Almighty that my efforts have paid off.”