Young batsman Imam-ul-Haq, who has received widespread criticism whenever he has failed due to a close relationship with chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, reacted in anger towards people whom he calls his "haters" after a magnificent hundred against South Africa at the supersport park during the third ODI, which Pakistan lost by 13 runs as per the DLS method. 

On reaching the landmark with a cut through point off Tabraiz Shamsi, Imam removed his helmet, gestured finger on the lips as if to silence someone. 

The 23-year-old later spoke to commentator Mike Haysman about the message he had wished to make clear and said, "[That gesture was about] my selection and all that stuff. I am the nephew of the chief selector. To all the people who criticised me over the years, the media and the people, I want to thank them. This has been possible because of them."

Imam struggled to come to terms with the bounce and lateral movement during the Test series and managed only 149 runs across his six innings at 24.83. 

He has bounced back well in the one-dayers with this ton being a follow-up knock to his 86 in the first ODI at Port Elizabeth and says that it wouldn't have been possible without the support of current team management. 

It would be "difficult to stand here" without them(head coach Mickey Arthur and skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed), Imam added, "The support staff has backed me throughout to go out and just perform. I want to thank [batting coach] Grant Flower and coach Mickey Arthur for supporting me, too. It was a very special hundred. Coming to South Africa, we believed we could win."

(Inputs from ESPNcricinfo)