SA vs PAK: Saim Ayub enters unique membership alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli after spectacular ton in third ODI

Saim Ayuba promising expertise Pakistannot too long ago made headlines by becoming a member of an elite group of cricketers who’ve scored three ODI centuries earlier than turning 23. His outstanding efficiency throughout the third ODI within the rain in opposition to South Africa on December 22, not solely showcased his batting prowess but additionally solidified his standing as a rising star of cricket.

Saim Ayub’s distinctive efficiency in Johannesburg

Ayub’s journey to this milestone was marked by an excellent innings of 101 runs off simply 94 balls, main Pakistan to a formidable whole of 308/9. This match, performed in Johannesburg, was essential because it enabled Pakistan to realize a historic whitewash in opposition to South Africa in a bilateral ODI collection on their residence floor. Ayub’s innings was characterised by a mix of managed aggression and stylish strokeplay. He reached his half-century in 51 balls and accelerated his rating with highly effective pictures, together with a memorable six off. Marco Jansen. His century was capped by a clear shot Aiden Markram earlier than being fired whereas trying an bold scoop.

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Ayub joins the ranks of legends

Along with his third ODI century, Ayub has now joined the ranks of cricketing legends similar to Sachin Tendulkar And Virat Kohli. This feat is especially important on condition that he achieved this feat in simply 9 matches, averaging a formidable 64.37. The checklist of gamers who’ve scored three or extra ODI centuries earlier than the age of 23 consists of:

• Quinton de Kock (South Africa): 8 centuries in 52 matches
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): 8 centuries in 46 matches
• Sachin Tendulkar (India): 8 centuries in 116 matches
• Virat Kohli (India): 7 centuries in 69 matches
• Babar Azam (Pakistan): 6 centuries in 32 matches
• Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan): 5 centuries in 51 matches
• Saim Ayub (Pakistan): 3 centuries in 9 matches

Ayub’s skill to carry out beneath stress and keep consistency is a big asset for Pakistan as they put together for upcoming main tournaments, together with the Champions Trophy 2025 and an ODI collection in opposition to New Zealand.

With the Champions Trophy approaching in February and the ODI collection in opposition to New Zealand scheduled in March, Ayub has loads of alternatives to additional improve his popularity on the world stage. His aggressive batting type and knack for quick runs make him a useful asset to the Pakistan crew.

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