DUBAI // Imam-ul-Haq, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, will be fit to face South Africa in today’s final of the Under 19 World Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The opener had three days of treatment after straining a hamstring in the semi-final win over England.
According to his opening partner and captain, Sami Aslam, Imam came through a fitness test successfully yesterday morning and should retain his place at the top of the order.
“Imam had stress on the hamstring but he has been taking rest and treatment from the doctors for three days,” Aslam said. “He is all right now and, Inshallah, should play in the final.”
The finale puts a contrast of styles in confrontation. It is likely to be settled by whether South Africa’s batsmen can combat Pakistan’s spinners, led by Karamat Ali, or how the Asian side’s batsmen fare against the opposing pace attack.
As such, Imam’s presence in opening the innings will be a significant boost for a Pakistan side that must repel outstanding South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.
The two players are among the favourites to be named player of the series.
Imam has 370 runs from five matches in the competition, but has not faced a challenge as hostile as that posed by Rabada,
The 18-year-old South Africa quick blew away Australia’s top order with six for 24 in the semi-final.
Aiden Markram, the South Africa captain, said he believed Rabada's form could go a long way to deciding the final.
“Pakistan’s two opening batsmen have played some really great cricket and their stats have shown that – it is a big partnership for them up front,” Markram said.
“Obviously we are happy with Rabada’s form. He bowled really well on Wednesday evening and we are just hoping he can take that into the final.
“We will revise our plans as to exactly what he has to execute against them. We have to look for their weaknesses and know where their strengths are.”
Pakistan’s game plan is likely to be based on the direct opposite, with the go-slow led by their cunning leg-break bowler Karamat.
“A leg-spinner is always the main bowler of any team,” Aslam said. “Karamat has been in good form and has been doing well. In fact, all our spinners are in good form.”
Markram, who is third on the tournament’s run-scoring charts behind Imam and Bangladesh’s Shadman Islam, said his side were hatching a plan to counter Pakistan’s leading bowler.
“We have looked into their bowling a little bit and Karamat has obviously bowled well this tournament,” Markram said. “We have acknowledged that and he is a good spinner for them, he has played a major part. We need to play him well.”
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