In a stunning display, Saim Ayub cleared the roof at Gaddafi Stadium to lead Pakistan to their first win over Australia in seven years. The masterclass performance came in the first T20I of the series, providing a massive boost ahead of the T20 World Cup.
With “no-look” sixes that quickly went viral, Ayub smashed a blistering 40 off just 22 balls. Alongside skipper Salman Ali Agha, he anchored a 74-run partnership to help Pakistan post a competitive 168/8.
Reflecting on his aggressive start, Ayub noted that “the goal was to dominate sensibly by calculating the innings, watching the ball and enjoying the process.”
The masterclass continued in the second innings when Ayub turned the game with the ball. Operating as an off-spinner, he dismantled the Australian top order by dismissing Matthew Short and the dangerous stand-in captain, Travis Head.
His two-wicket burst ensured Australia never found their rhythm eventually restricting them to 146/8.
Despite the pressure of the high-stakes match, the Player of the Match remained grounded, stating, “Conditions were a bit challenging but our plan was to dominate with the new ball as much as possible.”
With the series moving to the second game on Saturday, Ayub’s “all-round masterclass” has officially signalled a new era for Pakistan cricket.
