Saim Ayub’s First T20I Fifty in Pakistan Levels Series

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub regained his form in style, smashing a blistering 71 off 38 balls to help Pakistan crush South Africa by nine wickets in the 2nd T20I at the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday. The left-hander, who had struggled during the Asia Cup and the tri-nation series, finally silenced critics with his fifth career T20I fifty — and his first on home soil.

The match saw Pakistan bounce back strongly after a disappointing defeat in the series opener at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Brilliant bowling restricted South Africa to just 110 runs in 20 overs, paving the way for a dominant chase led by Saim Ayub’s aggressive knock. His partnership at the top ensured Pakistan’s emphatic win, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Ayub’s return to form is a major boost for Pakistan ahead of the decisive third T20I, as the young opener has now accumulated 271 runs in 15 international T20 matches.