LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan’s opening batter Saim Ayub has equalled an unfortunate record during the third T20I against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Ayub, 23, was dismissed for a six-ball duck by South Africa’s Corbin Bosch, joining middle-order batter Umar Akmal for the most ducks in T20I cricket for Pakistan.
In what has been a challenging series for Ayub, his early dismissal means he has now accumulated 10 ducks in T20I cricket, matching Akmal’s long-standing record.
Remarkably, Ayub reached this milestone in just 51 matches, while Akmal took 84 appearances to achieve the same number.
Key T20I Ducks for Pakistan
Saim Ayub – 10 ducks in 51 matches
Umar Akmal – 10 ducks in 84 matches
Shahid Afridi – 8 ducks in 98 matches
Babar Azam – 8 ducks in 131 matches
Kamran Akmal – 7 ducks in 58 matches
Mohammad Hafeez – 7 ducks in 119 matches
While the record is certainly unwelcome, Ayub will be hoping to turn around his fortunes in the coming matches. As Pakistan looks to close out the series against South Africa, the young opener will aim to shake off the early dismissals and return to form.
Ayub’s consistency with the bat remains a point of focus, as Pakistan’s top order seeks to build a more stable and reliable foundation for the team moving forward.
