Imam-ul-Haq has become one of Pakistan cricket’s most reliable batsmen over the past few years. With a solid technique, a calm demeanor, and an ability to anchor innings under pressure, he’s carved a niche for himself in international cricket. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about rising stars in Pakistan cricket, this guide breaks down his journey, stats, and key achievements.
Personal Information and Early Life
Full Name: Imam-ul-Haq
Age: 29 years (born December 12, 1995)
Birth Place: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Height: 1.75 m
Role: Batsman
Batting Style: Left-handed
Imam-ul-Haq hails from Lahore, a city known for producing some of Pakistan’s finest cricketers. Growing up in a cricket-loving environment, Imam was naturally drawn to the sport from an early age. His disciplined approach and technique-oriented batting style were evident even in junior cricket, earning him opportunities in domestic leagues and eventually the national team.
Batting Career Overview
Imam-ul-Haq is primarily known for his batting. He’s a top-order left-hander with a reputation for playing long, patient innings. Let’s explore his performances across formats.
Test Career Stats
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Matches: 24
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Innings: 46
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Runs: 1,568
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Highest Score: 157
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Average: 37.33
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Strike Rate: 46.07
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50s/100s: 9/3
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Fours/Sixes: 170/12
In Tests, Imam shows remarkable consistency. He may not score at a lightning pace, but his ability to build innings and anchor Pakistan’s batting order makes him a key asset, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
ODI Career Stats
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Matches: 75
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Innings: 74
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Runs: 3,152
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Highest Score: 151
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Average: 46.35
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Strike Rate: 81.96
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50s/100s: 20/9
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Fours/Sixes: 253/30
ODIs have arguably been Imam’s strongest format. With a mix of consistency and aggressive stroke play, he has played many match-winning innings for Pakistan. His high average and multiple centuries highlight his role as a dependable opener.
T20I Career Stats
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Matches: 2
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Innings: 2
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Runs: 21
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Highest Score: 14
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Average: 10.5
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Strike Rate: 84
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Fours/Sixes: 2/0
While Imam’s T20 opportunities have been limited, his domestic T20 performances show he can adapt to the faster-paced format when needed.
Bowling Career Overview
Although primarily a batsman, Imam-ul-Haq has occasionally bowled in Tests. Here’s a quick look:
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Test: 12 balls bowled, 0 wickets
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ODI & T20I: No bowling records
Clearly, his strength lies with the bat, and he focuses entirely on anchoring innings and providing stability at the top of the order.
Career Milestones
Test Debut
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Opponent: Ireland
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Date: May 11, 2018
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Venue: The Village
Imam made an instant impact in Tests with a composed batting style, demonstrating patience and technical proficiency.
Last Test
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Opponent: Australia
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Date: Dec 26, 2023
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Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
ODI Debut
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Opponent: Sri Lanka
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Date: Oct 18, 2017
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Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium
Last ODI
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Opponent: New Zealand
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Date: Apr 05, 2025
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Venue: Bay Oval
T20I Debut
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Opponent: England
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Date: May 05, 2019
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Venue: Sophia Gardens
Last T20I
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Opponent: Australia
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Date: Nov 08, 2019
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Venue: Perth Stadium
Strengths and Playing Style
Calm and Composed at the Crease
Imam-ul-Haq’s hallmark is his calm demeanor. He rarely panics against quality bowling and can play long innings that stabilize the team.
Mastery of Traditional Shots
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Drives and cuts are precise
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Pull and hook shots executed safely
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Keeps the scoreboard ticking consistently
Strong Against Spin
Having played in the subcontinent, Imam excels against spin bowling, using his footwork and timing to navigate tricky deliveries.
Ability to Build Partnerships
He thrives in partnerships, whether opening the innings or supporting a middle-order batsman. This trait makes him a dependable anchor in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Key Achievements
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Multiple ODI Centuries: Nine international hundreds showcase his ability to dominate bowlers.
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High Test Scores: A top score of 157 highlights his temperament in long formats.
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Consistent ODI Average: Averaging over 46, Imam is among Pakistan’s most consistent limited-overs batsmen.
Challenges and Opportunities
Limited T20 Exposure
With only two T20Is, there’s an untapped potential for Imam to become a significant force in T20 leagues globally.
Overseas Performance
Like many subcontinental batsmen, playing in countries like England and Australia remains challenging, but Imam has shown flashes of adaptability.
Also Read : David Warner Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
How Imam-ul-Haq Impacts Pakistan Cricket
Imam-ul-Haq plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s batting order:
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Opening Stability: Provides a solid start for the team.
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Anchoring the Innings: Allows aggressive middle-order batsmen to play freely.
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Experienced ODI Performer: Regular match-winner in limited-overs cricket.
Fun Facts About Imam-ul-Haq
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Nephew of legendary Pakistani batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq
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Known for calm demeanor and rarely showing frustration on the field
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Fan favorite for his classic stroke play and consistent run-scoring
Conclusion: Why Imam-ul-Haq Is One to Watch
Imam-ul-Haq represents the perfect blend of technique, patience, and temperament. Whether in ODIs or Tests, he brings stability and class to Pakistan’s batting lineup. Fans and analysts alike consider him a cornerstone for Pakistan’s future cricket campaigns, particularly in ODIs where his consistency can change the course of matches.
With experience, patience, and skill, Imam-ul-Haq continues to grow as a dependable opener and a potential match-winner for Pakistan across formats. His journey is a testament to discipline, focus, and the timeless art of traditional batting in modern cricket.
FAQ About Imam-ul-Haq
1. Who is Imam-ul-Haq?
A left-handed Pakistani batsman known for stability, consistency, and long-format technique.
2. What is his batting style?
He is a technically sound left-hander, strong against spin, and consistent in ODIs and Tests.
3. How many international centuries has he scored?
He has scored 3 Test centuries and 9 ODI centuries.
4. How has he performed in T20Is?
Limited exposure: only 2 matches with a total of 21 runs, highlighting his potential rather than experience in the format.
5. What are Imam-ul-Haq’s career highlights?
High ODI average of 46.35, consistent opening partnerships, multiple centuries, and an ability to anchor innings in high-pressure situations.
