PAARL: Pakistan’s emerging opener Saim Ayub broke legendary West Indian batter Brian Lara’s 31-year-old record with his anchoring century in first ODI against South Africa, played here on Tuesday.
Saim played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s three-wicket victory over South Africa in the series opener with his second ODI century.
The left-handed batter remained the top-scorer for the green shirts with 109 off 119 deliveries, studded with 10 fours and three sixes.
With his match-winning century, the 22-year-old became the youngest player to score a century against South Africa in ODIs while chasing, surpassing West Indies great Lara, who achieved the feat at 23 years of age in 1991.
Youngest to score an ODI century against South Africa while chasing
| Player | Age | Year |
| Saim Ayub | 22 Years, 207 Days | 2024 |
| Brian Lara | 23 Years, 297 Days | 1993 |
| AC Parore | 23 Years, 322 Days | 1994 |
| T Taibu | 24 Years, 104 Days | 2007 |
| Kevin Pietersen | 24 Years, 227 Days | 2005 |
Furthermore, Saim also became the youngest batter to score a century in South Africa while chasing, going past former Proteas’ wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock, who scored his maiden hundred against England in 2016.
| Player | Age | Year |
| Saim Ayub | 22 Years, 207 Days | 2024 |
| Quinton de Kock | 23 Years, 48 Days | 2016 |
| Quinton de Kock | 23 Years, 54 Days | 2016 |
| Quinton de Kock | 23 Years, 288 Days | 2016 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 23 Years, 291 Days | 1997 |
Overall, the left-handed batter is the third-youngest to score a century against South Africa in the format, only behind compatriot Ahmed Shehzad and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. Notably, both Shehzad and Williamson scored their tons on South African soil.
While Saim Ayub was instrumental in Pakistan’s hard-fought victory in the opening ODI but it was Salman Ali Agha, who bagged the player of the match award, thanks to his unbeaten 82-run knock, coupled with a four-wicket haul.
The duo also shared a 141-run partnership for the fifth-wicket which turned the tide in Pakistan’s favour.
- Saim Ayub
- Brian Lara
