Gladiators' rookie teen Hasnain aims to be the next Pakistani speedster

DUBAI: Mohammad Hasnain made his Twenty20 debut on Wednesday donning purple for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) game against Lahore Qalandars.

Although the right-arm pacer's side did not win, he managed to get everyone’s attention with his fiery spell, finishing with 1/29, and his consistent speed of over 140 kilometres per hour — something Pakistan has been looking for for years now.

The 18-year-old from Hyderabad says the PSL is a big opportunity for him to prove his worth as a fast bowler.

“I am so excited that I got the opportunity to play in the PSL," he said.

"I’m thankful to all the management of Quetta Gladiators that showed confidence in me and gave me the chance to prove myself,” he said.

When asked about his future goals, Hasnain noted: “It’s my dream to play for Pakistan and prove myself with a bowler with good pace and that I can bowl faster.”

Having represented Pakistan's Under-19 team, Hasnain said he grew up watching the fast bowling by Mohammad Sami, the speedster from Karachi who is one of his idols.

The young bowler, who now has his sight on achieving his dreams, said the only way to do so was to give his 100 percent in every game that he was selected for.

The teen also termed the PSL as a great learning opportunity where he was allowed to rub shoulders with some of the game's great names.

“Sharing the dressing room with the likes of Viv Richards, Sarfaraz Ahmed, [Shane] Watson, and [Rilee] Rossouw gives me a great learning opportunity,” he said.

“My only target is to give my 100 percent and make my team win games,” he underscored, with a hope to deliver the fastest ball while wearing green for Pakistan.