Explained: Why Saim Ayub Could Be A Game-Changer For Pakistan In West Indies ODIs

Saim Ayub to play key role in WI ODIs [Source: @dhillow_/X.com]

Saim Ayub, the rising star batter of Pakistan who is currently reigning in the opening slot, has been a potent weapon for the Men in Green for quite some time now. Though ahead of the Champions Trophy, the 23-year-old was ruled out due to injury, he has been doing wonders with the bat since his comeback.

Since his debut in ODIs against Australia last year, the youngster has slammed 515 runs from just nine innings. With Pakistan ready to take on the West Indies for the three-match one day series from August 8, here's why Ayub can be a key weapon for his team.

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1. Ayub's Recent Form To Worry West Indies

Saim Ayub has been in shining form in his recent matches. In the recently concluded West Indies T20I tour, Ayub hit 130 runs from his 3 matches at a strike rate of 135.42 while maintaining an average of 43.33. While these stats speak of his recent T20I form as an opener, his ODI stats have been equally impressive.

(Table - Saim Ayub's Recent Form)

From his 9 ODI outings, of which all are away games, Ayub has garnered an average of 64.37, which screams sustainability at the top, to build foundational innings for Pakistan. He also has 3 centuries to his name, which says his potential to convert starts into big scores. Hence, with a stellar record in ODIs and shining recent form, Ayub is ready to wreak havoc on the West Indies soil after the T20I madness.

2. Fill In For Fakhar Zaman's Absence At The Top

For the unaware, Pakistan suffered a huge blow a few days ago when Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury. In the absence of Zaman's opening firepower, responsibility now falls on the shoulders of Saim to carry Pakistan's innings from the very beginning.

(Saim Ayub's Stats As ODI Opener)

As an opener, Fakhar Zaman has contributed 3,627 runs for Pakistan at an average of 46.50. Now, with Fakhar's absence creating a void at the top, Saim Ayub is ready to step up. Backed by an impressive record in the opening position and the possibility of pairing with Abdullah Shafique, Ayub will be crucial in dismantling the Caribbean bowling attack early in the innings.

3. Can Chip In As All-Rounder

Ayub has not been a stranger to part-time spin bowling for Pakistan, having started back in his early ODI days. In addition to being a reliable opening batter, Ayub can deliver handy spells that trouble even top-order batters. 

He has claimed 5 wickets from his 9 ODI appearances at an impressive economy rate of 4.63, though his recent T20I performances further highlight his bowling potential.

(Saim Ayub's bowling stats)

In the T20I series, Ayub picked up 5 wickets in 3 matches, with best figures of 2/20 in a match-winning effort, further solidifying his value as an all-rounder who can help restrict the West Indies' run flow.

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