Pakistan v Australia: Analysis of pacer Mohammad Hasnain's ODI debut

Waseem Ahmed 23:37 24/03/2019
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  • Mohammad Hasnain. Image: PCB/Twitter.

    Teenage fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain’s meteoric rise continued as he earned his Pakistan cap during the second ODI against Australia in Sharjah on Sunday.

    After impressing for Quetta Gladiators in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League, Hasnain looked destined for greater things and an international call-up was the next logical step.

    The raw pace of Hasnain had impressed many during the PSL and he was quickly rewarded with a call-up to the national side for the ODI series against Australia.

    The 18-year-old got his big break on Sunday, making his debut in the second game in Sharjah. However, that’s where the good news ended for Hasnain as it turned out to be an utterly forgettable day for Pakistan bowlers with Australia captain Aaron smashing an unbeaten 153 to steer a comfortable chase of 285 with eight wickets in hand.

    Here we take a close look at Hasnain’s ODI debut.

    ANALYSIS

    Overs: 9

    Runs: 54

    Wickets: 0

    Economy: 6

    30-SECOND REPORT

    Pakistan had runs on board. But in a strategic error, captain Shoaib Malik introduced the raw quick only after 10 overs, by which time Australia were already 48-0. Hasnain had captain Finch in all sorts of trouble, peppering him with the short ball on a slow surface. Had he bowled with the new ball, Hasnain might have dismissed Finch. Instead, Aussie openers Finch and Usman Khawaja raced to a double century stand.

    GOT RIGHT

    Hasnain’s bouncers were spot on. He hit Finch on the badge the second ball of the 13th over and generally had the opener in a tangle while handling the short stuff. He nudged close to 150kph and showed decent control with the ball as well. He beat Finch outside off stumps towards the end of the innings even after the batsman had crossed three figures.

    GOT WRONG

    Hasnain has pace, there is no doubt about that. But in international cricket, you need a bit more than that as a bowler. The young quick needs to learn more about the art of taking wickets. However, the slow surface in Sharjah did Hasnain no favours. Hopefully, there will be more wickets to show for his efforts in his next game.

    VERDICT: 6.5/10

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