Shane Watson has warned the Australia ODI squad to beware of the threat posed by young Quetta Gladiators pacer Mohammad Hasnain in their upcoming series against Pakistan.

18-year-old Hasnain excelled for eventual 2019 Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Quetta in the just concluded edition with the young pacer picking up 12 wickets in his seven appearances. Hasnain has been one of the standout youngsters from the tournament and has grabbed eyeballs with his raw pace while managing to even breach the 150kph barrier.

So impressive were the teenager’s displays in his maiden PSL campaign that he was given a call up to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming ODI series in the UAE.

Watson, who was awarded the player of the tournament for racking up the highest number of runs in PSL 2019, has admitted to being thoroughly impressed by his Quetta team-mate Hasnain.

“Hasnain’s control over his length and swing is very impressive and he varies his pace very well,” said Watson.

“I have never seen an 18-year old bowl at such pace and I think even on the UAE pitches he will be a difficult proposition for the Australian team.”

Hasnain was in fine form in the final at Karachi on Sunday where he picked up 3-30 in a man-of-the-match display to help the Gladiators clinch their maiden PSL title.

The right-armed pacer is now targeting a spot in Pakistan’s World Cup squad and hopes to take his chance against Australia in the UAE.

“I have always been a fast bowler, and I hope to bowl even faster,” the express quick said after the final against Peshawar Zalmi.

“I want to do well in the ODIs against Australia and maybe get a spot in the World Cup squad as well.”

Hasnain will have the chance to make his case for the World Cup when the five-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia gets under way at Sharjah on Friday.