KARACHI, Aug 21: Pakistan’s new batting star Yasir Hameed dedicated his debut Test century on Thursday to his late father, who dreamed that his son would become a world class cricketer.

“I dedicate this hundred to my late father who had predicted that I will score a century in my first match for Pakistan,” said Yasir. “My father was a lawyer but he always wanted me to play cricket and make a name for myself in international cricket.”

Yasir, 25, became the ninth Pakistani and the 76th batsman overall to score a hundred on Test debut.

“Had he been alive he would have felt so proud of me.”

Hameed made his one-day debut against New Zealand in a tri-series in May this year, but his highest score remained 28 in five one-day matches.

He scored a magnificent double century — a career-best 207 for PIA against KRL — in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy final at the National Stadium in February, opening the doors of international cricket.

His 450 runs in eight first-class matches forced the national selectors to give him a chance.

“I want to be a match winner for Pakistan and if this innings help us win the match, my job is done,” said Yasir.

“I am really happy to have played this innings for my team under the situation and getting out was God’s will.”

Pakistan team manager Haroon Rasheed praised the youngster’s temperament.

“It’s too early to say that he is an answer to our number three problems, but his temperament proves he has the talent to go places,” said Haroon, a former Test batsman.—AFP