Saim Ayub, a young Pakistani opener, blasted a century off 53 balls against Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s second One-Day International, matching Shahid Afridi’s record for the third-fastest century by a Pakistani batsman.
Saim Ayub, a young Pakistani opener, blasted a century off 53 balls against Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s second One-Day International, matching Shahid Afridi’s record for the third-fastest century by a Pakistani batsman. Before Thursday’s series decider, Ayub, 22, helped Pakistan tie the three-game series at one apiece with a magnificent display of his first ODI century, reaching his century in just 53 balls. Afridi’s 43-ball effort against Bangladesh in 2010 was matched by this, making it the third-fastest ODI century by a Pakistani men’s player.
Afridi achieved three figures in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996 and 45 deliveries against India in 2005, giving him the record for the two fastest hundreds by a Pakistani player.
Although Ayub has always shown a lot of potential in his early international career, this most recent setback might provide him and Pakistan the confidence boost they need in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy event next year.
During his 62-ball stay, the left-hander hit 17 fours and three huge sixes. He finished undefeated at 113 after he and Abdullah Shafique (32*) successfully chased down Zimbabwe’s total of 145 in less than 19 overs.Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe for just 145 in 32.3 overs, with only two players reaching the 20-run mark: Dion Myers (33 in 30 balls, with six fours) and Sean Williams (31 in 39 balls, with two fours).
Salman Agha (3/26) and Abrar Ahmed (4/33) were Pakistan’s best wicket-takers. Faisal Akram and Ayub each received one scalp.
