KARACHI: Former Pakistan stars hailed the temperament of emerging all-rounder Imad Wasim, whose 19 runs and four wickets scripted an unlikely win for Shahid Afridi's side in the first T20 against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Pakistan, restricted by the hosts for a mere 136 runs after Afridi elected to bat first, appeared destined to have their hundred per cent T20 record against Zimbabwe spoiled before Imad ran through the opposition top-order, picking up four for just 11 runs from his quota.
“Imad played smartly and tactically under pressure, scoring a vital 19 runs and grabbing career-best four wickets for 11 runs,” Aamir Sohail told APP on Monday.
“Pakistan was under pressure after top-order batting failure. But Imad stood firm after team was struggling at 85-5 when he arrived at the crease," the former captain added
Imad's ability to stay calm under pressure situations was a big positive for Pakistan and the 26-year-old had proved that he was no one-match-wonder, Sohail said, referring to the player's match-winning T20 innings against Sri Lanka recently.
“Imad is great addition to Pakistan team and he has proved his potential,” Sohail remarked.
Cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja was also full of praise for Imad following his all-round show.
“Imad exhibited great talent which was heartening for Pakistan cricket,” Raja said.
A familiar batting failure
Former batsman Sadiq Muhammad said he was surprised to see such a poor batting display by Pakistan as they were restricted to a total of just 136.
He credited Imad for saving the day for with his brilliant all-round effort.
“It was incredible performance by Imad after the chips were down and Pakistan was facing a huge challenge to defend a small total,” the former opener said.
Sadiq was of the opinion that captain Afridi should have promoted himself up the order to give the team some much-need momentum after Pakistan struggled to takeoff with the bat.
Afridi came into after the fall of the sixth wicket and departed after playing just three balls.
Sadiq said that Zimbabwe, despite being the weaker outfit, gave Pakistan a tough time which was a worrying sign for the side before the World T20.
He said opener Ahmed Shehzad, Mukhtar Ahmed and Sohaib Maqsood let the team down with irresponsible shot selection.
“Openers must learn to stay at the crease for the first six overs,” he said.
According to the 70-year-old the newly-inducted left-arm paceman Imran Khan Junior wasn't a wise pick either.
“His action and delivery stride was very erratic and his selection was hasty. Lets groom Imran with the Pakistan “A” team,” he added.
Pakistan and Zimbabwe come face to face in the second and final T20 international of the series on Tuesday. The tour also includes three One Day Internationals.
