Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq had a special message for his detractors as he scored a century in the third ODI against South Africa in Centurion.

Imam’s 101 helped Pakistan post 317-6 in the third match of the series. The hosts were 187-2 after 33 overs before rain intervened and the Proteas won by the DLS method.

For Imam, it was a gratifying knock as he has been forced to justify his place in the team almost every time he goes out to bat because he is the nephew of chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Some have accused former captain Inzamam of favouritism while selecting  his nephew.

Imam, who scored 86 in the first ODI, has now reached 1,000 runs in 19 innings – the second quickest to the mark. But questions of favouritism have always followed Imam, even though he did decently in the Tests against South Africa, scoring a fifty and crossing 30 twice across six innings.

After his ton in the third ODI, Imam put his finger on his lips as part of an emotional celebration.

When asked what was the reason for his charged up reaction, Imam said: “Everybody knows I am the nephew of the chief selector (Inzamam-ul-Haq) and that was a message to all the Pakistan media and all Pakistan people who criticise me.”

Despite a solid effort with the bat and the promise of a close finish, Pakistan lost by 13 runs following a second rain interruption.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who was unbeaten on 40, said he was glad his batsmen were up to the task. Batsman Reeza Hendricks was unbeaten on 83 alongside Faf.

Du Plessis said: “We were below par with the ball. We were a bit flat. But the nice thing is we have guys who are putting their hands up. We want to see how guys perform under pressure.”