New Delhi: Saim Ayub smashed a brilliant unbeaten century, his first in ODIs, as Pakistan bounced back in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, winning the second contest by 10 wickets in Bulawayo. In reply to Zimbabwe’s first innings total of 145, Pakistan openers Ayub and Abdullah Shafique put up a solid opening stand to decimate the hosts in a crucial encounter.
The three-match series is poised at 1-1, after the series opener was clinched by Zimbabwe. The majority of the scoring was done by Ayub, who remained unbeaten 113 off 62 deliveries, smashed 17 boundaries and 3 massive sixes to run riot on the Zimbabwe bowlers. Shafique’s knock of 32 runs was also crucial in the run chase for Pakistan as he ably supported the hard-hitting young batter in his attempt to get to the finish line in the quickest possible time.
Saim Ayub smashes record century
Pakistan completed the chase (148/0) in just 18.2 overs, thrashing all the five Zimbabwe bowlers used by the skipper in the attack. Ayub’s maiden ODI hundred came off just 53 deliveries and it became the joint third-fastest ton for Pakistan, only bettered by the legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Watch the special moment for Ayub
Saim Ayub only took 53 balls to reach his maiden intl century.
FINALLLLLLLLY pic.twitter.com/pZCiDNzGxm
— Ahmer (@itsAhmerr) November 26, 2024
Batting first, the hosts could not put up a great show in front of a disciplined bowling from Pakistan and bundled out for just 145 runs in 32.3 overs. Abrar Ahmed proved to be the pick of the bowlers as he registered figures of 4/33 while Agha Salman also contributed in the destruction claiming three wickets. Ayub, who fired with the bat, also picked one wicket earlier while Faisal Akram also made his contribution with a lone scalp.
The third and final ODI match of the series will be played on November 28, Thursday at the same while the three-match T20I series is scheduled to start on December 1.
Saim Ayub’s maiden ODI hundred powered Pakistan to a 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second match of the three-game series. The series is now level at 1-1. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
