Saim Ayub, a promising talent from Pakistan, has recently made headlines by joining an elite group of cricketers who have scored three ODI centuries before turning 23. His remarkable performance in the rain-affected third ODI against South Africa on December 22, not only showcased his batting prowess but also solidified his status as one of cricket’s rising stars.
Saim Ayub’s stellar performance in Johannesburg
Ayub’s journey to this milestone was marked by a stellar innings of 101 runs off just 94 balls, leading Pakistan to a commanding total of 308/9. This match, played in Johannesburg, was pivotal as it allowed Pakistan to achieve a historic whitewash against South Africa in a bilateral ODI series on their home turf. Ayub’s innings was characterized by a blend of controlled aggression and elegant stroke play. He reached his half-century in 51 balls and accelerated his scoring with powerful shots, including a memorable six off Marco Jansen. His century was capped off with a crisp cut shot off Aiden Markram before he was dismissed while attempting an ambitious scoop shot.
Also READ: Saim Ayub’s stellar ton leads Pakistan to a historic ODI whitewash over South Africa
Ayub joins the ranks of legends
With his third ODI century, Ayub has now joined the ranks of cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. This achievement is particularly significant considering that he has accomplished this feat in just nine matches, boasting an impressive average of 64.37. The list of players who have scored three or more ODI centuries before the age of 23 includes:
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa): 8 centuries in 52 matches
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): 8 centuries in 46 matches
- Sachin Tendulkar (India): 8 centuries in 116 matches
- Virat Kohli (India): 7 centuries in 69 matches
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): 6 centuries in 32 matches
- Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan): 5 centuries in 51 matches
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): 3 centuries in 9 matches
Ayub’s ability to perform under pressure and maintain consistency is a significant boost for Pakistan as they prepare for major upcoming tournaments, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and an ODI series against New Zealand.
With the Champions Trophy approaching in February and the ODI series against New Zealand slated for March, Ayub has ample opportunities to further enhance his reputation on the global stage. His aggressive batting style and knack for quick runs make him an invaluable asset to the Pakistan team.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI and PCB finally agree to host India-Pakistan games at a neutral venue
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.