Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub broke the record of West Indian batting legend Brian Lara during the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Paarl on Tuesday.
Saim played a crucial role in Pakistan’s thrilling three-wicket triumph over South Africa. He played a brilliant innings of 109 runs from 119 balls, laced with 10 fours and three sixes.
At just 22 years old, Saim etched his name in the record books by becoming the youngest batter to score a century against South Africa in ODI cricket while chasing.
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This achievement broke a long-standing record previously held by the legendary Brian Lara, who had reached this milestone at the age of 23 back in 1991.
Moreover, Saim also became the youngest batter to score a century while chasing on South African soil.
This milestone saw him surpass the record previously held by Quinton de Kock, the former South African wicket-keeper, who scored his maiden century against England in 2016 at the age of 23.
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Saim has also earned the distinction of being the third-youngest player to score a century against South Africa in ODIs, trailing only behind his compatriot Ahmed Shehzad and New Zealand’s batting maestro Kane Williamson.
Notably, the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa is set to take place in Cape Town on December 19, followed by the third match on December 21 in Johannesburg.
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