Imam-ul-Haq – Who He Is and What He Brings to the Game

If you follow Pakistani cricket, you’ve probably seen Imam-ul-Haq walk out to the crease with a calm swagger. The right‑hand opener made his debut in 2015 and quickly earned a reputation for being steady under pressure. He isn’t the flashiest player, but his technique and temperament make him a reliable top‑order asset in both ODIs and Tests.

Career milestones you should know

Imam’s first big moment came in 2016 when he scored a gritty 177 against Sri Lanka in a Test match in Karachi. That innings still sits as his highest Test score and shows how he can grind out runs on tricky pitches. In ODIs, he crossed the 3,000‑run mark in 2022, a milestone that puts him among Pakistan’s most consistent limited‑overs openers.

He’s also part of the 2022 ICC World Cup squad, where he contributed solid starts in several matches. While his strike rate isn’t the highest, his average hovers around the mid‑40s in ODIs, a figure that reflects his ability to anchor innings while letting the middle order accelerate.

What to expect from Imam in upcoming series

Looking ahead, Imam is likely to feature in the home series against New Zealand later this year. The pitches in Lahore tend to favor players who can leave the ball outside off and wait for loose deliveries – exactly Imam’s comfort zone. Expect him to open with a more aggressive partner, perhaps Fakhar Zaman, to give Pakistan a strong start.

His recent form in domestic cricket shows a higher boundary count, suggesting he’s working on enhancing his power game. If he carries that momentum into international matches, Pakistan’s top order could become harder to break early, giving the team a better platform for big scores.

Beyond the numbers, Imam is praised for his work ethic. He spends extra hours in the nets focusing on playing the short ball and rotating the strike. Young fans often cite him as a role model for staying grounded despite fame.

In summary, Imam-ul-Haq may not grab headlines with six‑hit boundaries, but his steady presence at the top is a key ingredient for Pakistan’s batting plans. Keep an eye on his scores in the next few series – they’ll likely dictate how the team’s innings unfold.