Saim Ayub Reaches Big T20I Milestone During Tri-Series Fixture Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan’s rising left-handed opener, Saim Ayub, achieved a major feat in T20I cricket during the Tri-Series contest against Sri Lanka. He successfully completed 1000 runs in T20 internationals while making his 53rd appearance for Pakistan. By doing so, he became the 9th Pakistani batter to achieve this major milestone in T20I cricket.

Saim Ayub achieved this feat when he drove Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka for a single on the first ball of the fifth over. By completing one thousand runs in T20I cricket, he joined the prestigious group of Pakistan batters who have previously achieved this milestone, including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, and others.

Saim Ayub’s record in T20I cricket has improved significantly this year. This is the key reason why the team management has shown trust in him over other openers. He also played positively during the recently concluded South Africa T20I series, in which he smashed unbeaten 71 runs in the second game of the series.

In the Tri-Series fixture against Sri Lanka, Saim Ayub was looking in good touch. He started the Pakistan batting innings confidently with Sahibzada Farhan, giving Sri Lankan bowlers a harsh treatment during the Powerplay.

The left-handed batter smashed four boundaries, however, he got out in a bizarre fashion when Dasun Shanaka bowled him a full delivery. It was poor judgment from Saim Ayub, as the ball took an inside edge from his bat and went back to the keeper Kusal Mendis. He quickly dislodged the bails, sending Saim back to the pavilion for just 20 runs.

Fortunately, the dismissal of Saim Ayub didn’t halt Sahibzada Farhan’s plans. He kept playing big shots to take advantage of the Powerplay. Due to his batting, the pressure shifted back onto the Sri Lankan bowlers, who had no answer to Farhan’s belligerent hitting.

Backed by Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten 80, Pakistan cruised to victory inside 16 overs, chasing the target of 128 runs for the loss of just three wickets. The green shirts are now confident to win the next match against Zimbabwe, which is scheduled on November 23 at the same venue.