Ayub matches Afridi’s heroics in Bulawayo

Saim Ayub of Pakistan in action

Young opener Saim Ayub matched the efforts of Pakistan great Shahid Afridi with an outstanding century against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

Ayub smashed his first ODI hundred in brilliant style, with the 22-year-old bringing up his century in just 53 balls to help Pakistan level the three-game series at 1-1 ahead of the series decider today.

It was the equal third fastest ODI century by a Pakistan Men’s player, matching the efforts of Afridi’s 53-ball effort against Bangladesh in 2010.

Afridi holds the two fastest centuries by Pakistan players, having reached three figures in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996 and 45 deliveries against India in 2005.

Ayub has always shown plenty of promise through the early parts of his international career but this latest knock could be just the confidence booster both he and Pakistan need ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy Tournament.

The left-hander smashed 17 fours and three massive sixes during his 62-ball stay, eventually finishing unbeaten on 113 as he and Abdullah Shafique (32 n.o) successfully chased down Zimbabwe’s total of 145 in less than 19 overs.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed did the damage for Pakistan with four Zimbabwe wickets and the 26-year-old was quick to praise Ayub when speaking post-match.

“Everybody knows that whenever he plays, he is capable of turning the match into a one-sided affair,” he said.
“He is a very talented lad and I have my best wishes for him that he keeps performing in the same manner to help Pakistan win more matches in the future.”

Chief scores:

Zimbabwe: 145 in 32.3 overs (Dion Myers 33, Sean Williams 31, Abrar Ahmad 4/33, Agha Salman 3/26) 
Pakistan: 148/0 in 18.2 overs (Saim Ayub 113 n.o, Abdullah Shafique 32 n.o). Agencies