Pakistan played its third One Day International match, out of a series that has five matches total, against Sri Lanka, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The series, so far, has been a display of fantastic sportsmanship by the boys in green and this match was no different.
Team Pakistan toppled the Sri Lankans at 208, with Hasan Ali taking five wickets and making a record for himself as the highest wicket taker in 2017
He has also broken a previously held record of Waqar Younis, as the quickest Pakistani player to take 50 ODI wickets.
One player, however has stood out for his more than impressive performance
With a debut that got him a “Man of the Match” trophy and a century, exactly
Imam-ul-haq has become the third youngest player to score a century during his debut match, at the age of 21.
Dramatic debut! Imam ul Haq. pic.twitter.com/kLc2wFCMhs
— Sawera Pasha (@sawerapasha) October 18, 2017
If the name sounds familiar, that’s because he is famous ex-cricketer Inzamam-ul-haq’s nephew
– "first of all, thanks to Allah", says Imam ul Haq & it took me back in time
— Asif Khan (@mak_asif) October 18, 2017
Imam-ul-Haq "I don't really have any role models but I look up to my uncle Inzamam who is always there to give me advice" #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 18, 2017
Inzamam ul haq to haters who said Imam is parchi. pic.twitter.com/D9C6BYRtFA
— Faysal Nawaz (@DoctorFNJ) October 18, 2017
And fans have taken to Imam-ul-haq
Then: Inzamam Ul Haq and Misbah Ul Haq
Now: Imam Ul Haq
How are these Ul Haq's so talented?— خضر (@kaypsss) October 18, 2017
They love the new energy that this fine young cricketer, and other such new talented players are bringing to the team
#PAKvSL Perfect bowling, batting & fielding. Well done Team Pakistan & congrats Imam for the debut century. Allah ka shukkar. pic.twitter.com/LiAkmM5bC0
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) October 18, 2017
Many are joking how Ahmed Shehzad’s replacement has more than made up for his absence
Oh yes, Ahmed Shehzad was “out of form”, hence he wasn’t playing this match and Imam was brought in as a replacement.
Whoever replaced Ahmed Shehzad turned fortunes for Pakistan.. Fakhar Zaman and now Imam Ul Haq..
— Muhammad Umair Tariq (@UmairTariq90) October 18, 2017
When you watch an Imam #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/BCZrtS2HcP
— Dennis Does Pakistan (@DennisCricket_) October 18, 2017
Ahmed Shehzad's heart be like:
"Ye tw mera patta he kaaat gya" pic.twitter.com/g0bNcf2rNR— Sadia A. (@DrSadiaA) October 18, 2017
And there are jokes about Imam’s rather regal name, too
Aaj pehli baar kisi Imam ne Pakistan ko faida diya#3rdODI
— Zubeda Aapa (@AapaZubeda) October 18, 2017
But most of all, fans are happy that the team has found another gem of a player to inject some much needed fresh energy to the men’s cricket team
What a dream debut for Imam-ul-Haq . I really hope he gets to his maiden 100 on his debut..
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 18, 2017
Good Intent shown so far by Imam – also seen him use his feet well against spinners! #pakvsl
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) October 18, 2017
Well batted Imam???????
— Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) October 18, 2017
What do you think about Imam?
Cover image via: cricketcountry.com