Saim Ayub breaks Haider Ali's T20 record

18 March, 2024

Saim, who represented Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, had a remarkable season with the bat and the ball.

The left-handed opener finished as one of the leading run-scorers of the tournament with 345 runs in 11 innings at an average of 31.36 and a strike rate of 157.53.

He concluded his dream PSL 9 campaign with a blistering 73-run knock against Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2, which included an impressive tally of six boundaries and four sixes.

Consequently, Saim Ayub, 21 years and 297 days old, surpassed previous record holder Haider Ali, who achieved the milestone at 22 years and 259 days, to become the fastest Pakistan batter to 100 T20 sixes.

Notably, Saim has hit the most sixes in PSL 9 thus far, smashing 21 sixes in 11 innings.

Youngest Pakistanis to reach 100 T20 sixes

Saim Ayub – 21 years, 297 daysHaider Ali – 22 years, 259 daysShadab Khan – 24 years, 30 daysAzam Khan – 24 years, 42 days

However, Saim Ayub’s all-round exploits went in vain as Islamabad United defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2 and set up the PSL 9 final with Multan Sultans.

The two-time champions were reeling at 91/5 in pursuit of the 186-run total before Imad Wasim and Haider Ali turned the game on its head with an astonishing partnership.

The duo dominated Zalmi bowlers at the backend with both scoring half-centuries before Imad finally smashed Wood for a boundary to take United into the PSL 9 final.

Imad top-scored for the United with an unbeaten 59 off 40 deliveries with the help of nine boundaries while Haider struck two boundaries and five sixes on his way to a 29-ball 52.