In just six matches, the Pakistani opener has already scored three centuries and two fifties, maintaining an exceptional batting average of 102.
Another match, another century — Imam-ul-Haq’s bat continues to flow with runs. While “The Hundred” is grabbing most of the spotlight in English cricket right now, the 50-over One-Day Cup is also underway, and Imam is stealing the show for Yorkshire with his incredible form.
When Imam went to England, his aim was clear — to deliver standout performances and force his way back into the Pakistan national team. Judging by his recent exploits, the left-handed opener has sent a strong message to the national selectors.
On Sunday, Imam smashed a match-winning century for Yorkshire against Durham. Sussex had earlier posted 284/9 in 50 overs at the Hove County Ground, powered by an excellent bowling display from Yorkshire pacer Matt Milnes, who grabbed 7 wickets for just 38 runs. Chasing the target, Yorkshire sealed victory by 6 wickets with 14 balls to spare.
Imam scored 106 off 105 balls, laced with 10 fours and 3 sixes. This was his third century in the ongoing One-Day Cup.
He began the tournament with a solid 55-run knock against Warwickshire before producing his career-best 159 off 130 balls against Northamptonshire in the next match. He followed it up with another brilliant 117 against Lancashire.
In the fourth game, Imam remained unbeaten on 54 while chasing 130, and though he managed just 22 runs against Durham in the following match — his only failure in the tournament so far — he bounced back strongly, returning to century form against Sussex.
In six matches, Imam has piled up 513 runs at a staggering average of 102.60 with a strike rate of 95.70.
For Pakistan, Imam’s ODI record isn’t bad either. In 75 matches, he has scored 3,152 runs, including 9 centuries and 20 fifties. However, his career strike rate of 81.95 has often been questioned.
His recent performances for Pakistan had also dipped — his last ODI century came 26 innings ago, and in his last 10 innings, he has managed just one fifty, averaging 20.55 with a strike rate of 76.13.
Imam has even been dropped multiple times, with his most recent appearance for Pakistan coming during the New Zealand tour in April. He was also left out of the West Indies series earlier this month.
However, if Imam continues his blistering form for Yorkshire, a return to the Pakistan ODI side might just be around the corner.
