Hat-trick hero Hasnain sets sight on Test cricket

Pakistan’s pace sensation Mohammad Hasnain has set his sights on representing the national side in Test cricket.

The 19-year-old pacer claimed a hat-trick in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) against Sri Lanka in Lahore on Saturday.

Sri Lanka were looking set for a big total but paceman Hasnain derailed them with wickets of Bhanuka Rajapaksa off the last ball of the 16th over before dismissing captain Dasun Shanaka and Shehan Jayasuriya off the first two balls of the 18th over to complete a hat-trick.

Hasnain's hat-trick is the ninth in all Twenty20 internationals with Malinga registering the feat twice. He is also the second Pakistani after Faheem Ashraf to achieve this milestone.

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Although the Hyderabad-born’s efforts went in vain as Pakistan were thumped by the Islanders in convincing fashion by 64 runs.  

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Hasnain said: “I’m hopeful that I will get a chance to play Test cricket. I will continue giving my 100 per cent in terms of performance.”

The right-arm quick also spoke about the guidance offered by senior pacers in the side and his role model in cricket.

“I learn a lot from Wahab, Amir and Shinwari [bhai]. This also ensures that when I’m selected to play ahead of them, there is no pressure of me,” he said. “My role model in cricket is Waqar Younis [bhai], who is fortunately also part [bowling coach] of the team.”