Pakistan batter Saim Ayub, who represented Peshawar Zalmi in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, has etched his name in the record books by becoming the youngest Pakistani cricketer to reach 100 T20 sixes.
The talented batter achieved this milestone yesterday in Eliminator 2 against Islamabad United.
At just 21 years and 297 days old, Ayub surpassed the previous record held by Haider Ali, who achieved the feat at the age of 22 years and 259 days.
Saim has hit the most sixes in PSL 9 so far. He smashed 21 sixes in 11 innings.
Youngest Pakistanis to reach 100 T20 sixes
Saim Ayub - 21 years, 297 days
Haider Ali - 22 years, 259 days
Shadab Khan - 24 years, 30 days
Azam Khan - 24 years, 42 days
It must be noted Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by five wickets in Eliminator 2.
Imad Wasim and Haider Ali formed a 98-run stand for the sixth wicket after United were reeling at 91/5 while chasing 186.
Imad scored his first fifty of the season, remaining unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls while Haider smashed 29-ball 52 with five massive sixes and two fours.
At the start of the chase, United had a horrible start, losing three wickets within four overs with only 21 runs on the board.
In-form opener Martin Guptill briefly fought back, notably scoring 22 runs in an over against Saim Ayub, before being dismissed by Khurram Shehzad on the final delivery of the batting powerplay.
Guptill remained a notable contributor for the United, scoring 34 runs off 21 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
With the scoreboard showing 50/4 after six overs, Azam Khan partnered with Imad in an attempt to stage a recovery.
The pair batted sensibly for around five overs until Luke Wood dismissed Azam (22) on the last delivery of the 11th over, hampering United's recovery efforts but Imad and Haider guided them to a thrilling win.
This is United's first PSL final since 2018 and they will face Multan Sultans on March 18 at the same venue.
Earlier, Saim Ayub’s flamboyant 73-run innings, coupled with Mohammad Haris’ 40, propelled Zalmi to 185/5.
Naseem Shah led the bowling attack for United, claiming figures of 3/30 in his four overs, while Shadab and Obed McCoy chipped in with one wicket each.
United will lock horns against Multan Sultans in the final on March 18, who had also defeated Zalmi in the Qualifier.
This is United's first PSL final since 2018 while Sultans will play their fourth consecutive final.
- Saim Ayub
