Imam-ul-Haq becomes 2nd Pakistani to score century on debut

KARACHI: Pakistan’s young batsman Imam-ul-Haq achieved a unique feat on his ODI debut on Wednesday with a splendid 100 against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.

The 21-year-old, who was included in squad as replacement of out-of-form Ahmad Shahzad, smashed two sixes and stroked four boundaries to score 100 off 125 deliveries to become only 2nd Pakistani to score a century on his debut ODI.

Imam joined Saleem Elahi from Pakistan in club of centurions on debut, which now has 13 members from around the world.

Saleem scored 102* in September 1995 at Gujranwala, also against Sri Lanka, to become Pakistan’s first player to score century on debut. Imam-ul-Haq wasn’t even born when Elahi achieved this feat.

At the age of 21 years and 310 days, Imam ul Haq is also the third youngest to score a century on debut. Saleem Elahi was youngest by achieving this feat at the age of 18 years and 312 days. Hong Kong’s Mark Chapman scored century on debut at the age of 21 years and 142 days.

The debutant-centurion club around the world includes Desmond Haynes, Colin Ingram, Mark Champman, Saleem Elahi, Martin Guptil, Andy Flower, Temba Bavuma, Lokesh Rahul, Phillip Huges, Rob Nicol, Michael Lumb and Dennis Amiss.

Imam’s score 100 against Sri Lanka is also Pakistan’s second highest individual score on debut, the highest ODI individual score on debut by Pakistani is 102* by Saleem Elahi.