Saim Ayub’s blistering ton powers Pakistan to ten-wicket win against Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO: Saim Ayub stroked a whirlwind century in his fifth appearance as Pakistan thumped Zimbabwe by ten wickets in the second ODI to level the three-match series here at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.

Saim belted 17 fours and three sixes in a 62-ball 113 not out as Pakistan raced to the 146 runs target in 18.2 overs without losing a wicket.

When Saim reached his century from 53 balls with 16 fours and three sixes, he became Pakistan’s joint-third fastest centurion after Shahid Afridi, who twice achieved the rare distinction against Sri Lanka in Nairobi 1996 and then against India in Kanpur 2005.

Saim had earlier reached his half-century from 32 balls with nine fours and a six and completely dominated the unbroken 148-run stand with Abdullah Shafique, who returned unbeaten on 32 from 48 balls with four fours.

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Earlier, Zimbabwe, who had won the first ODI by 80 runs in the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method, were bundled out for 145 in 32.3 overs after electing to bat first.

Debutant Abrar Ahmed, opening the bowling with Aamir Jamal, returned figures of 8-2-33-4, while off-spinner Salman Ali Agha captured three wickets for 26 runs. Saim once again demonstrated his bowling skills, claiming one wicket for 16 runs from four overs.

For Zimbabwe, No.3 batter Dion Myers with 33 and Sean Williams with 31 were the notable run-scorers.

The series decider will be played at the same venue on Thursday.

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram.

Zimbabwe Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Trevor Gwandu, Craig Ervine (c), Tawandanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.

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