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Imam Ul Haq, the promising Pakistani opener, is making strides in the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket as he ascends the ranks of the MRF Tyres ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings. His noteworthy performances in a recent 5-match collection, in which Pakistan emerged successful with a 4-1 scoreline, have catapulted him to greater popularity in the cricketing world.
The terrific Imam Ul Haq's ODI performance in this series included a match-triumphing performance throughout, especially in the third ODI, where he showcased his batting prowess by crafting an impressive knock of ninety runs. This stellar overall performance has propelled him up the rankings, as he now finds himself occupying the coveted fourth spot.
However, while his modern ranking displays his prowess, it is vital to be aware that Imam Ul Haq reached a career-best second spot in June of the previous year, highlighting his consistency and capability to similarly elevate his standing.
This latest surge in Imam Ul Haq's ODI ranking augurs well for Pakistan's ODI crew, which now boasts a formidable presence in its pinnacle 4 positions. Leading the top is none other than Babar Azam, the supremely gifted batsman who occupies the number one spot on the list. Adding to Pakistan's batting prowess, Fakhar Zaman has secured the third spot, in addition to solidifying Pakistan's dominance in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings for batsmen.
Imam-ul-Haq's extraordinary feat in the third Pakistan-West Indies ODI isn't something to overlook. In that thrilling contest, Imam Ul Haq persevered in his tremendous run of form by notching his seventh consecutive ODI rating of fifty or more.
This wonderful achievement places him in a distinctive club, as he becomes the second cricketer in the records of ODIs to reap such consistency.
While Imam Ul Haq has been rewriting the record books, his counterpart and Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, had to settle for a score of just 1 in the same match. Pakistan had already clinched the 3-ODI collection by becoming triumphant within the first two encounters.
Imam-ul-Haq's recent exploits have seen him surpass cricketing luminaries like Mark Waugh, Gordon Greenidge, Andrew Jones, Mohammad Yusuf, Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, Paul Stirling, Ross Taylor, and Kane Williamson in the elite listing of players who have registered six or extra consecutive 50-plus ratings in ODIs. The legendary Javed Miandad retains the record for the maximum consecutive 50-plus scores in ODIs, having achieved the wonderful feat of 9 immediate half-centuries in 1987.
However, Imam Ul Haq's ODI adventure has not been without its percentage of demanding situations. He confronted accusations of nepotism when he started to break into the national team. At that time, his uncle and former captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, was serving as the chief selector of the national cricket team. The allegations of favouritism and nepotism were rampant, mainly on social media platforms.
Nevertheless, Imam Ul Haq silenced his critics by making a spectacular ODI debut towards Sri Lanka in 2017, in which he notched up a century. This achievement made him only the second Pakistani batsman to attain a century on debut.
Additionally, Imam Ul Haq boasts an impressive professional average of 53.84 in ODIs, solidifying his credentials as a talented and accomplished opener.
In conclusion, Imam-ul-Haq's latest upward push in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings is a testimony to his unwavering dedication and top-notch consistency in ODI cricket.
His achievements and contributions to the Pakistan national team are noticeable, and he is a crucial asset in Pakistan's quest for ODI success. As he strives to reach even more heights in his career, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing greater stellar performances from this proficient left-handed batsman.
FAQs
Why is Imam-ul-Haq in the spotlight lately?
He has gained interest for his remarkable streak of 7 consecutive 50-plus rankings in ODIs.
How did Imam-ul-Haq respond to his critics after his debut in ODI cricket?
He silenced his critics by scoring a century on debut against Sri Lanka, becoming the second Pakistani batsman to achieve this feat.
Who else from Pakistan's ODI team ranks high in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings for batsmen?
Babar Azam is at the top spot, while Fakhar Zaman holds the third position.
