Pakistan’s rising star Saim Ayub etched his name into the history books with a scintillating century in the second ODI against Zimbabwe, equaling Shahid Afridi’s record for the third-fastest ODI hundred by a Pakistani batter. Ayub’s explosive 53-ball ton helped Pakistan secure a dominant nine-wicket victory, leveling the three-match series at 1-1 and setting the stage for an exciting decider.
The 22-year-old opener smashed an unbeaten 113 off 54 balls, laced with 17 fours and three sixes, as Pakistan chased down Zimbabwe’s modest target of 145 in just 18.4 overs. Partnering with *Abdullah Shafique (32 off 41)**, Ayub finished the game in style, demonstrating his incredible talent and composure under pressure.
Ayub’s century matches Afridi’s famous 53-ball hundred against Bangladesh in 2010, which ranks as the third-fastest ODI century for Pakistan. Afridi still holds the top two spots, with a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996 and a 45-ball effort against India in 2005.
“It’s a proud moment to achieve this milestone and contribute to the team’s win. Afridi is an inspiration, and to equal his record is a dream come true,” Ayub said after the match.
Pakistan’s victory was built on a disciplined bowling display that restricted Zimbabwe to 145 all out in 32.3 overs. Spinner Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4/33.
All-rounder Salman Agha provided valuable support, taking 3/26, while Saim Ayub and Faisal Akram chipped in with a wicket each. Zimbabwe’s batting struggled, with Dion Myers (33 off 30) and Sean Williams (31 off 39) being the only players to offer resistance.
With the series tied, the focus now shifts to the final ODI on Thursday. Pakistan’s clinical performance, spearheaded by Ayub’s record-equalling knock, has injected momentum into the side as they aim to clinch the series.
Quick Recap
Zimbabwe 145 all out (32.3 overs): Dion Myers 33, Sean Williams 31; Abrar Ahmed 4/33, Salman Agha 3/26.
Pakistan 149/1 (18.4 overs): Saim Ayub 113*, Abdullah Shafique 32*.