Karachi welcomed back international cricket after more than nine years as Pakistan took on West Indies in the first of the three-match T20I series on Sunday.
The hosts won by a staggering 143 runs after being put in to bat first. Helped by Hussain Talat‘s 41-run knock, Pakistan posted 203-5 in their 20 overs before their bowling attack bundled out the West Indies for just 60 runs.
Here, we analyse the performance of the debutant Talat in Pakistan’s 143-run victory.
STATISTICS
RUNS SCORED: 41
BALLS FACED: 37
BOUNDARIES: 2
SIXES: 1
STRIKE-RATE: 110.8
30-SECOND-REPORT
Hussain was sent in at the crucial number three position in the batting-order and his innings got off to the worst possible start after a huge mix-up with Fakhar Zaman which resulted in a run-out. However, the youngster did not let that affect his confidence as he put in an accomplished batting performance. He looked like he belonged at the international stage.
Hussain Talat and Asif Ali received their Pakistan cap from Pakistan’s legends Ramiz Raja and Waqar Younis respectively#PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/GJ1LLdWun2
— ARY Sports (@ARYSports_Web) April 1, 2018
GOT RIGHT
After a nervous start, the right-handed batsman buckled down and did not let his concentration slip. He played some excellent cricketing shots including a mighty heave over long-on for six off Marlon Samuels. There is definitely some talent here, especially after seeing him grow more assured with each passing ball.
GOT WRONG
Was caught ball-watching early on which resulted in Zaman’s run-out. Could have been a little more adventurous in trying to up his strike-rate but it would have been even worse for him to throw his wicket away after running out a senior partner on debut. Ran himself out eventually in the end, showing that he has a lot to learn when it comes to running between the wickets.
OUT! 7.1 Kesrick Williams to Hussain Talat (Fakhar Zaman Run Out)
Watch ball by ball highlights at https://t.co/v4xextiswn#PAKvWI #ApnaKhelApneGhar @_cricingif pic.twitter.com/MwTVKGbKMx— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 1, 2018
KEY MOMENTS
ZAMAN RUN-OUT
With Zaman going great guns at the top for Pakistan after racing away to 39 off just 24 balls, disaster struck in the first over after power-play. Hussain dabbed the delivery towards point, resulting in Zaman taking off for a quick single. The debutant however, failed to notice his partner calling for the run after being caught ball-watching. Zaman tried to turn back mid-way from the pitch but it was too late.
It should have been a run but Hussain Talat is playing his first match for Pakistan so nerves would automatically be there #PAKvWI
— Nabeel Hashmi (@HashmeNabeel) April 1, 2018
TAKES ON PERMAUL
Hussain gave fellow debutant Veerasammy Permaul of the West Indies a harsh welcomes to international cricket. He took on the young left-arm spinner, smacking it straight past him for a boundary. That would be the end of Permaul’s debut as he was stretchered off with a twisted ankle.
The Pakistan batsman then went one further when Samuels took the ball to complete Permaul’s over, lifting him for a huge six over long-on.
SIX! 9.5 Samuel Badree to Hussain Talat
Watch ball by ball highlights at https://t.co/v4xextiswn#PAKvWI #ApnaKhelApneGhar @_cricingif pic.twitter.com/yAZeNF6Thb— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 1, 2018
RUNS HIMSELF OUT
In the 16th over of the Pakistan innings, skipper Sarfraz Ahmed smacked the ball towards mid-wicket and took off a single. In a rush to up the ante, Hussain came darting back for a second run when there was none and was sent back by his skipper. However, like Zaman, it was already too late.
VERDICT: 7/10
The debutant gave glimpses of his potential in his 37-ball stay at the crease and bar the two run-outs, he looked largely at ease in international cricket. While his scoring-rate might not have been great, the left-hander’s 75-run third-wicket stand with Sarfraz set it up beautifully for Shoaib Mailk and Faheem Ashraf to give the finishing flourish to the innings.
