PSL 9: Saim Ayub breaks Haider Ali’s T20 record. The 21-year-old achieved this milestone yesterday in Eliminator 2 against Islamabad United
PSL 9: Saim Ayub breaks Haider Ali’s T20 record
Pakistan batter Saim, who represented Zalmi in Pakistan Super League season 9, 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 United.
At just 21 years and 297 days old, Saim Ayub surpassed the previous record held by Haider who achieved the feat at the age of 22 years and 259 days.
Saim Ayub has hit the most sixes in Pakistan Super League season 9 so far. He smashed 21 sixes in 11 innings. (HD Live Sports)
Youngest Pakistanis to reach 100 T20 sixes
Saim – 21 years, 297 days
Haider – 22 years, 259 days
Shadab – 24 years, 30 days
Azam – 24 years, 42 days
It must be noted Islamabad beat Zalmi by five wickets in Eliminator 2.
Imad and Haider formed a 98-run stand for the sixth wicket after Islamabad United were reeling at 91/5 while chasing 187.
Imad scored his first fifty of the season, remaining unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls while Haider Ali smashed a 29-ball 52 with five massive sixes and two fours.
Guptill remained a notable contributor for Islamabad United, scoring 35 runs off 20 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
With the scoreboard showing 50/4 after six overs, Azam partnered with Imad Wasim in an attempt to stage a recovery.
The pair batted sensibly for around five overs until Luke Wood dismissed Azam Khan (22) on the last delivery of the 11th over, hampering Islamabad United’s recovery efforts but Imad Wasim and Haider guided them to a thrilling win.
This is Islamabad United’s first Pakistan Super League final since 2018 and they will face Sultans on March 18 at the same venue.
Earlier, Saim’s flamboyant 72-run innings, coupled with Haris’ 40, propelled Zalmi to 185/5.
Naseem led the bowling attack for Islamabad United, claiming figures of 3/30 in his four overs, while Shadab Khan and Obed McCoy chipped in with one wicket each.
Islamabad United will lock horns against Sultans in the final, who had also defeated Zalmi in the Qualifier.
This is United’s first Pakistan Super League final since 2018 while Multan Sultans will play their fourth consecutive final.