Pakistan's 'fantastic' Haider impresses Langer
The 19-year-old made 54, becoming first Pakistan batsman to score a half-century in his first T20I.
MANCHESTER (AFP) - Australia coach Justin Langer praised Pakistan s "fantastic" Haider Ali after the teenager marked his international debut with a sparkling fifty against England.
The 19-year-old made 54, becoming the first Pakistan batsman to score a half-century in his first Twenty20 international as the tourists beat England by five runs in a last-ball thriller in Manchester on Tuesday.
Haider came in with Pakistan 2-1 after the loss of Fakhar Zaman at Old Trafford yet struck his second ball in international cricket, from off-spinner Moeen Ali, for a soaring six.
"He s fantastic," said Langer in a conference call Wednesday from Southampton, where Australia begin a three-match Twenty20 series of their own against England later this week.
"Pakistan as we ve always known, they are like a sleeping giant. They ve got so much talent, it s like India, it s exciting to watch."
Pakistan s tour-ending victory meant the three-match T20 series finished all square at 1-1, with one rain-marred no result.
The game was also notable for a stand of exactly 100 between Haider and 39-year-old veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who made an unbeaten 86.
Asked if he had ever been involved in a partnership featuring a similar age gap, former Australia opening batsman Langer replied: "My experience of that was with Shaun Marsh.
"I ve known him since he was born. Geoff Marsh (Shaun s father) and Michelle, they are great friends of mine. Geoff was my first captain.
"We played together when he was 17 or 18 for Western Australia. I understand that experience for the Pakistanis last night. It s great to see these young kids come in and play.
"He (Haider) hit a six off his second ball in international cricket -- it s exciting to watch."
