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Saim Ayub Is Babar Azam's Updated Version: How Correct Is Fakhar Zaman's Bold Remark?

Rajgeeta Yadav

Babar Azam and Saim Ayub [Source: AFP]Babar Azam and Saim Ayub [Source: AFP]

Saim Ayub has become a regular name in Pakistan’s T20I team. The young left-handed batter has impressed many with his elegant stroke play, and recently, senior opener Fakhar Zaman praised him highly. In a video posted by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Fakhar even called Saim the “updated version” of Babar Azam, Pakistan’s former captain and one of the world’s most consistent batters.

Saim Ayub And Babar Azam's Journey At A Glance

Saim made his T20I debut in March 2023. Since then, he has played 41 T20Is, scoring 816 runs at an average of 22.05 with a strike rate of 136.45. He already has four fifties to his name. 

Apart from T20Is, he has also represented Pakistan in 8 Tests and 12 ODIs. His standout ODI performances came in 2024 against South Africa, where he smashed two centuries in a 3-0 whitewash.

On the other hand, Babar Azam has already cemented his place as Pakistan’s modern-day batting great. With more than 4,000 T20I runs, three centuries, and 36 fifties, he is Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in the format and one of the most consistent players globally. 

He has not only brought victories to Pakistan but also earned ICC awards for his batting brilliance. So, how does Saim really compare when we look closely at the numbers?

Decoding Saim Ayub vs Babar Azam's T20I Batting Approach

In the powerplay overs of T20Is, Saim Ayub has scored 496 runs in 39 innings at a strike rate of 126.9, but his dot-ball percentage is high at 49.9. Meanwhile, Babar Azam in the same phase has accumulated 1,635 runs in 115 innings at a strike rate of 118.4, with a lower dot-ball percentage of 43.3.

Babar Azam In Powerplay

Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
Dot %
115163536.3118.449.9

Saim Ayub In Powerplay

Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
Dot %
3949622.5126.949.9

This shows that Saim has been more explosive option in the first six overs, but Babar rotates the strike more efficiently and has not been aggresive.

Meanwhile, there is important factor is boundary percentage. The numbers reveal contrasting styles. Saim attacks early, often relying on boundaries, 73.38 percent of his runs come this way, while Babar adopts a more orthodox approach and building his innings, with only 60.67 percent of his runs from boundaries.

Babar And Ayub's Year By Year Stats

Now, looking at year-by-year stats, Saim has been inconsistent. In 2023, he averaged 30.5 at a strike rate of 123.00, followed by 22.8 at 143.67 in 2024, and just 21.20 at 133.61 in 2025. Babar, in contrast, has shown greater stability over the years, with several seasons where he averaged above 30 and maintained strike rates between 120 and 140. 

The statistics suggest that Saim offers a high-risk, high-reward option in the top order, whereas Babar provides stability and control. 

Conclusion

While Saim may appear more explosive, his inconsistency and reliance on boundaries prevent him from matching Babar’s all-round effectiveness. Babar has the ability to accumulate runs, and consistently perform under pressure, which remains unmatched in Pakistan’s batting setup for now.

So clearly, Fakhar Zaman's statement may be flattering, but for now, Saim cannot be updated version of the former Pakistan captain.