ZIM vs PAK: Saim Ayub hits second fastest ODI ton for Pakistan in series-levelling win over Zimbabwe
Pakistan's Saim Ayub Photograph:( AFP )
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Chasing a paltry 146, Pakistan, who had lost the first match by 80 runs via DLS method in a shock, won the game in mere 18.2 overs. Ayub's opening partner Abdullah Shafique remained not out on 32 off 48 balls.
Chasing a paltry 146, Pakistan, who had lost the first match by 80 runs via DLS method in a shock, won the game in mere 18.2 overs. Ayub's opening partner Abdullah Shafique remained not out on 32 off 48 balls.
Saim Ayub scored an unbeaten 113 off just 62 balls as Pakistan crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in Bulawayo on Tuesday (Nov. 26) to level the one-day international series with one match more to come. Ayub reached his ton in 53 balls—the second fastest ODI hundred for Pakistan behind only Shahid Afridi's 37-ball (1996), 45-ball (2005) and 53-ball (2010) efforts.
Chasing a paltry 146, Pakistan, who had lost the first match by 80 runs via DLS method in a shock, won the game in mere 18.2 overs. Ayub's opening partner Abdullah Shafique remained not out on 32 off 48 balls.
"We already forgot the first game, and we will try to forget this game as well, as we are trying to stay in the present and take it one game at a time," man-of-the-match Ayub told reporters after the match.
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"In the previous match, the ball was stopping more and the weather was also different. Today, it was slow on one side and better from the other."
"You had to be careful, and I did not think I could use all my shots. We practice for all kinds of pitches, not just one kind."
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe were quickly in trouble, with both openers, Joylord Gumbie (4) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (5), back in the pavilion with less than four overs bowled.
Only Dion Myers, who struck six fours in his 30-ball 33, and Williams, who posted 31 before being trapped leg before by Ayub, impressed for the home team.
Pakistan-born all-rounder Sikandar Raza made just 17 before becoming one of three victims of Salman Ali Agha.
Debutant Abrar Ahmed took four wickets and Ali Agha three for Pakistan, who arrived in southern Africa after a 3-0 ODI series loss in Australia.
The Zimbabwe ODI series decider is set for Thursday (Nov 28), followed by three T20Is from Sunday (Dec 1), also in Bulawayo. Pakistan then visit South Africa for an all-format tour.
(With inputs from agencies)
