Mohammad Hasnain, Pakistan’s young 19-year-old spearhead, bowling at 151 kph, got his first World Cup cap this year. Four years ago, the former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh predicted the young Pakistani pacer to make world image for himself. And this year, Mohammad Hasnain got a call for his first-ever berth to feature at the ICC World Cup 2019.
Pakistan’s chief selector Inzamam-Ul-Haq called the pacer as “surprise package” whereas, Waqar Younis sees shades of himself in the destructive teen.
It was Hasnain’s performance in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that earned him a position in the senior squad.
Meanwhile, his thunderbolts in 2015 somewhat brought him to the limelight. While his inclusion in the squad is the added asset to the team, Hasnain feels honoured and looks forward to send shivers down the spine of world-class batters.
“It’s a great honour to represent Pakistan and the honour multiplied when I was named in the World Cup squad. I am on cloud nine and ready to make batsmen struggle with my speed. I love to bowl fast and that is my strong point,” said Hasnain.
Coming from Hyderabad in Southern Pakistan, Hasnain was mentored by the renowned cricket coach Iqbal Imam. He always had faith in the young pacer’s speed and said,
“Hasnain played Under-16 and Under-19 for Hyderabad and right from the start his pace has been impressive.”
His former coach Mohammad Masroor recalled Waugh foretelling Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasnain making an impact in future. Shaheen played for Pakistan in all the three formats of cricket and is in the 15-man World Cup-squad.
He was selected for Pakistan U-15 team for Australia tour in the year 2015:
In PSL’s fourth edition, Hasnain ended up taking 12 wickets which have earned him a call from the national team of Pakistan for ODI league against Australia.
Although Hasnain ended up picking just two wickets in three ODIs he played, the Aussie batsmen still found it difficult to face Hasnain. On this, Pakistan’s head coach, Mickey Arthur believes that will help the team in the World Cup.
“His pace is the most impressive and he has the potential of an international player. He could be the X-factor for us,” said Arthur.
Whereas, former great bowler Waqar applauded the youngster’s pace and resilience.
“He is very talented, has pace and bounce and the determination. I have told him not to lose his pace, which is his strong point. I wish him the best of luck,” said Waqar.
Inzamam says that Hasnain has the ability to surprise any team and keep things balanced. He said 150kph is a spine-shivering performance.
“I think he could be the surprise package and can at any time win us a match. He has express pace and can damage and can surprise any team. I have faced 150kph in my career and it’s not easy. It sends shivers down your spine,” says Inzamam.
Inspired by the words of two-time World Cup-winning skipper Waugh, Hasnain promises to prove him right and make his name in the world. He will get his chance to shine in the five-day ODI series against England which is to start, ahead of World Cup, from 8th of May.