NEW DELHI: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan shared an Instagram story praising his teammate Saim Ayub. Despite Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat in the second T20I against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Ayub impressed with an unbeaten 98-run innings.
Stepping in for Babar Azam as opener, the left-handed batsman displayed remarkable skill, striking 11 boundaries and 5 sixes. His performance helped Pakistan achieve a substantial total of 206 runs for five wickets in their allocated 20 overs.
Azam, whose last appearance for Pakistan was in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, shared a post that gained significant attention online.
“When you give players consistent chances, that’s when they truly have the opportunity to perform at their best,” Azam wrote.
South Africa successfully pursued Pakistan’s target of 206/5, completing the chase in 19.3 overs with only three wickets lost.
Although Ayub, one of Pakistan’s most promising young talents, faced consistency issues early in his career, the team management maintained faith in him across all three cricket formats. Their persistence has proved fruitful, as he now ranks among Pakistan’s top performers across all formats.
Last month in Bulawayo, the 22-year-old Karachi native scored a remarkable 113 runs off 62 deliveries in an ODI against Zimbabwe. This achievement made him the second Pakistani batsman after Shahid Afridi to score a century in under 60 balls for Pakistan in the 50-over format.