Young Pakistan opener Saim Ayub joined an elite group of batters after scoring a match-winning century against South Africa in the recently concluded ODI series. Saim, who is the leading run-scorer for Pakistan, helped the Mohammad Rizwan-led team secure a historic whitewash over South Africa.
Ayub scored 101 runs off 94 balls as Pakistan posted 308/9 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, December 22. In reply, Pakistan defended the target by bowling South Africa out for 271 in 42 overs during a rain-affected match. Ayub was named Player of the Series for his two centuries.
Saim Ayub Formed Crucial Partnerships with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
Pakistan was asked to bat first but lost Abdullah Shafique’s wicket in the first over. Saim played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. He added partnerships of 114 runs for the second wicket with Babar Azam (52 off 71 balls) and 93 runs for the third wicket with captain Mohammad Rizwan (53 off 52).
Ayub was caught behind off debutant Corbin Bosch. Middle-order batter Salman Agha added 48 runs off 33 balls. In reply, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen top-scored with a blistering 81 off 43 balls. Sufiyan Muqeem (4/52) was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan as they bowled South Africa out for 271.
Saim Ayub Joins Elite List of Overseas Batters with Multiple Hundreds in South Africa
Saim Ayub joined the elite group of overseas batters with multiple hundreds in the bilateral ODI series in South Africa after the third ODI match. The left-handed batsman is now alongside Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman, and Joe Root, who have each secured two hundreds in South Africa.
Australian cricketer David Warner, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and Virat Kohli have scored three hundreds in South Africa. Other notable Asian batters with ODI centuries in Johannesburg include Shikhar Dhawan, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kumar Sangakkara.
Most Hundreds by Visiting Batters in South Africa in Bilateral Series:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 17 | 898 | 74.83 | 3 | 5 |
| Kevin Pietersen | 10 | 506 | 84.33 | 3 | 1 |
| David Warner | 17 | 808 | 47.52 | 3 | 3 |
| Jos Buttler | 8 | 415 | 69.16 | 2 | 1 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 8 | 469 | 58.62 | 2 | 1 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 8 | 432 | 61.71 | 2 | 1 |
| Ricky Ponting | 18 | 758 | 44.58 | 2 | 4 |
| Joe Root | 8 | 417 | 59.57 | 2 | 1 |
| Saim Ayub | 3 | 235 | 78.33 | 2 | 0 |
Very Special Because We Won – Saim Ayub
Speaking after the match, Saim Ayub expressed his happiness after the win, stating that the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards were a result of the team’s collective effort. He highlighted the importance of learning from each game and mistake, with the guidance of senior players.
“Very special because we won. This award is for the team. The entire team chipped in. As a young player, I look to learn from every game. I look to learn from every mistake. The seniors help me learn,” Ayub said.
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