![Babar Azam given credit by Taha for calming nerves on debut [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794278859980_BabarAzamgivencreditbyTahaforcalmingnervesondebut.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam given credit by Taha for calming nerves on debut [Source: AFP]
Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Taha, who was making his Test debut against Sri Lanka on Monday, credited skipper Babar Azam for his guidance on the opening day of the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Taha looked impressive on his debut as he scored a gritty 51 off 105 deliveries and recorded a 69-run stand alongside captain Babar Azam as Pakistan ended Day 1 at 281/5. Taha and Babar's runs were crucial as they took Pakistan to a strong position.
Taha lauds Babar Azam's support as debutant scores fifty on debut
The 26-year-old Pakistan debutant looked assured at the crease against a strong Sri Lankan bowling attack, and he registered a classy fifty to steer Pakistan to a strong position. After the end of Day 1, the all-rounder praised Babar Azam for helping him settle at the international level.
"Naturally, there were some early nerves given that it was my debut match. However, as the innings progressed, batting alongside Babar proved immensely reassuring as his guidance at the crease helped me settle in," Taha said.
"Babar and our head coach (Mike Hesson) provided significant encouragement, advising me to trust the same game plan and processes that brought me success during the domestic season."
Pakistan field four debutants, including Taha
Eyebrows were raised on the first morning of the Rawalpindi Test match as captain Babar Azam fielded four debutants in the game, including Taha, Tayyab Arif, Arafat Minhas, and Saqib Khan.
According to head coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan is planning to integrate a younger squad, keeping in mind the next WTC cycle, and hence, underperforming players were dropped. Interestingly, two of the youngsters, Taha and Tayyab Arif, delivered the goods on Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test.
While Taha scored a gritty 51 and played with caution, Tayyab Arif looked well settled at the international level as the opening batter played aggressively and scored a record-breaking 57 off 51 balls and had an 86-run opening stand with Azan Awais.
With the batting debutants performing on Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test, the onus will be on the bowling debutants, Minhas and Saqib, to continue the good work as Pakistan is expected to bowl to the Lankan batters on Day 2.
