Rashid Latif: “Every batter gives respect to good bowlers but Saim Ayub is a unique batter in a way because he makes sure to attack good bowlers”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called opener Saim Ayub a “unique batter” since he “makes sure to attack good bowlers”.
Ayub has been a force to be reckoned with over the past couple of months as he has notched up a number of big scores, including three centuries in ODI cricket.
He amassed 125 runs in Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Australia, which included a top score of 82, at an average of 41.66.
Following this, he featured in three ODIs against Zimbabwe and made 155 runs, which included a career-best 113 not out, at an average of 77.50.
As for the T20I series, he finished with 60 runs in two games at an average of 60.
Pakistan then toured South Africa and the 22-year-old kicked things off with 129 runs in two T20Is, which included a career-best knock of 98 not out, at an average of 129.
The Karachi-born batsman subsequently struck 235 runs in the three-match ODI series, which included two centuries, at an average of 78.33.
“Every batter gives respect to good bowlers but Saim Ayub is a unique batter in a way because he makes sure to attack good bowlers,” Latif was quoted as saying on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Pakistan and South Africa just finished playing a two-Test series, which the Proteas won 2-0.
Ayub scored 41 runs at an average of 20.50, but it should be noted that he didn’t bat in the 2nd Test in Cape Town as he fractured his ankle while fielding on the opening day, which will keep him out of action for up to six weeks.
Pakistan Squad for South Africa T20I Series: Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
Pakistan Squad for South Africa ODI Series: Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
Pakistan Squad for South Africa Test Series: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah Khan (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha
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