Imam says Babar didn't hear his 'call for no' after run-out debacle
Pakistan skipper was dismissed after scoring 24 runs
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has opened up about the run-out of skipper Babar Azam during the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Karachi.
A mix-up in the middle led to Azam’s exit in Pakistan’s first innings on the second day of the match on Tuesday.
“It is cricket and run out happens. In the past, in West Indies, I was the one who got run out and today he did. Miscommunication can happen in cricket sometimes,” Imam told Geo News in an exclusive interview. “He didn’t hear my call for ‘no’ and once he did it was too late.”
“These things happen but I will talk to him and smooth things over,” he chuckled.
Imam was confident that Pakistan will overcome the remaining 295 runs deficit but warned that experienced New Zealand side can pose tough challenge to Pakistan.
Imam was unbeaten at 74 at the end of second day’s play as Pakistan were 154-3 in reply to New Zealand’s first innings score of 449.
The opening batter said that the opening session will be important for both the sides on day three.
“We will try to overcome the deficit and take lead of some runs over New Zealand but we are aware that New Zealand is a tough side and they can challenge us with their tactics and mental game. We have to be strong in our batting tomorrow,” Imam said.
The left-hander also admitted that Pakistan allowed New Zealand to score more than what they had in mind.
“The way we fought back on last session of first day, we were hoping to bowl them out by 350. They batted well to score around 450 but we were also casual with our bowling which allowed them to score more runs,” Imam identified.
“There are some patches on wicket but it is still not deteriorated as there was some grass on but it will get challenging and difficult as older it would get,” he said.
Imam said that he would wish to stay on wicket for longest time but anything can happen in cricket. He also credited his teammate Saud Shakeel for showing great temperament.
Saud, who is unbeaten on 13, took 42 deliveries and 55 minutes to score his first run.
“It was important moment for us, there was some reverse swing so I must say that Saud showed great temperament by staying there, not to get tempted and putting team’s cause ahead of his own runs,” he said.
“Had we lost a wicket there, it would’ve put us on pressure,” Imam added.
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