Imran Nazir: “Saim Ayub is a very talented opener but he takes some time in [the] powerplay to score big runs”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan cricketer Imran Nazir believes Saim Ayub takes time to score runs in the powerplay, but is still a “very talented opener”.
Ayub has displayed remarkable potential, but he has struggled to sustain his form over prolonged periods.
He recently featured in Pakistan’s T20I tri-series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan, where he amassed 111 runs in five matches, which included a top score of 69, at an average of 22.20 and a strike-rate of 132.14.
He also took two wickets at an average of 42 and an economy rate of six.
The 23-year-old from Karachi then took part in the 2025 Asia Cup and mustered 37 runs in seven games at an average of 5.28 and a strike-rate of 97.36.
He did a lot better with the ball, picking up eight wickets at an average of 16 and an economy rate of 6.40.
Nazir knows Ayub is a special player, but stressed the need for him to accelerate his run-scoring in the powerplay overs.
“Saim Ayub is a very talented opener but he takes some time in [the] powerplay to score big runs,” Nazir was quoted as saying on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Pakistan’s next assignment will be a home series against South Africa, which will comprise two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs.
The series will be played from October 12 to November 8.
Pakistan squad for South Africa Test series: Shan Masood (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
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