In another example of the his cricketing brilliance, Pakistan’s 22-year-old batting sensation, Saim Ayub, delivered a historic performance in the opening ODI against South Africa at Boland Park, rewriting the record books with a brilliant century.
Chasing a target of 240 runs, Saim Ayub scored a composed 109 off 119 balls, becoming the youngest player to score an ODI century against South Africa in a chase. He achieved this feat at 22 years of age, breaking Brian Lara’s record set in 1993 at 23 years and 297 days.
| Player | Age | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | 22 Years, 207 Days | 2024 |
| Brian Lara | 23 Years, 297 Days | 1993 |
| AC Parore | 23 Years, 322 Days | 1994 |
| T Taibu | 24 Years, 104 Days | 2007 |
| Kevin Pietersen | 24 Years, 227 Days | 2005 |
Saim Ayub is now also the youngest player to make century in South Africa while chasing, going past Quinton de Kock. The left-hander is also now the third-youngest to score an ODI century against South Africa, behind Ahmed Shehzad and Kane Williamson.
| Player | Age | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | 22 Years, 107 Days | 2024 |
| Quinton de Kock | 23 Years, 48 Days | 2016 |
| Quinton de Kock | 23 Years, 54 Days | 2016 |
| Quinton de Kock | 23 Years, 288 Days | 2016 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 23 Years, 291 Days | 1997 |
Saim was the hero for Pakistan in the first ODI as their chase began shakily with Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam falling cheaply. Even Babar Azam failed to anchor the innings, contributing only 23 runs off 38 balls before being dismissed.
Saim Ayub then forged a crucial 141-run fifth-wicket partnership with vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, stabilizing Pakistan’s innings. Saim’s innings featured 10 boundaries and a six before he was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada for 109.
Although Salman played a pivotal role with a half-century, he handed over his “Man of the Match” award to Saim Ayub in recognition of the youngster’s exceptional performance.
Pakistan clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory with just 3 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Saim Ayub’s century, his second in ODIs after his maiden ton in Zimbabwe last month, proved decisive in securing the win.
Saim and Pakistan will look to get the job done in the three match series during the second fixture which takes place tomorrow.