Imam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan batter, just lately unveiled his all-time ODI XI for the Pakistan Nationwide Cricket Group. His choice displays a mix of iconic gamers spanning totally different eras of Pakistan cricket.
Opening prowess
For the opening pair, Imam selected Saeed Anwar and Babar Azam. Saeed, broadly considered considered one of Pakistan’s greatest batters ever, earned his place on the prime because of his prolific run-scoring and consistency. Babar, present captain of the group and one of many best ODI batters globally, was chosen to open alongside Anwar, primarily due to his excellent performances over the previous seven years.
“Because it was very tough for me to set [him] within the center order. So, I went for Babar Azam because the opener. The way in which he has carried out in ODI cricket for the final seven years his performances for Pakistan are superb,” Imam was quoted as saying by A Sports activities.
Center order dominance
Shifting to the center order, Imam picked Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf. These three stalwarts had been pivotal in Pakistan’s success in ODIs, offering stability and match-winning performances all through their careers.
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Captain Marvel
Imran Khan, the legendary all-rounder who led Pakistan to their maiden World Cup victory in 1992, was chosen because the captain of the group. Recognized for his distinctive management and all-round abilities, Imran Khan’s affect on Pakistan cricket within the 80s and 90s was immense.
Secure fingers and energy with the bat
Within the wicketkeeper-batter position, Imam opted for Kamran Akmal. Regardless of different choices like Moin Khan and Sarfaraz Khan, Akmal’s skill to ship match-winning innings in ODIs swayed Imam’s resolution.
“I’ll go along with Kamran Akmal because the wicketkeeper-batsman. It was a bit tough for me. There have been plenty of choices like Moin bhai and Saifi bhai however I’ll go along with Kamran Akmal as a result of he has plenty of match-winning performances in ODIs,” Imam concluded.
Bowling arsenal
Turning to the bowling division, Imam chosen Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammad Asif, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Saqlain, recognized for his mastery of spin bowling and invention of the “doosra,” offered selection to the assault. Asif, famend for his accuracy and skill to hassle batter, complemented the deadly tempo duo of Akram and Younis, who’re thought of among the many most feared bowlers in cricket historical past.
The twelfth Man
Shahid Afridi, a dynamic all-rounder recognized for his explosive batting and efficient leg-spin bowling, was named because the twelfth man in Imam’s XI, highlighting his impression regardless of not making the beginning lineup. Whereas his son-in-law and Pakistan’s present chief of tempo assault, Shaheen Afridi did not make his place within the roaster.
