Saim Ayub joins Babar Azam and co for elite T20I milestone in Pakistan’s win over SL

Saim Ayub with Babar Azam [Source: @ProSportsStudio/x.com]

Pakistan crushed Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the third T20I of the 2025 Pakistan T20I tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on November 22. Chasing 129, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan tonked an unbeaten 80* from 45 balls with six fours and five huge sixes.

Young Saim Ayub also chipped in with a boundary-laden 20 at the top of the order, to share a brisk 47-run opening stand with Farhan. Notably, the 23-year-old also scaled a major T20I landmark for Pakistan, joining the likes of seasoned pros like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi and others.

Saim Ayub becomes ninth Pakistani to complete 1,000 T20I runs

When Saim Ayub dispatched Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka for a boundary in front of square in the fifth over of the innings, the 23-year-old completed 1,000 runs in his T20I profile. In doing so, Ayub also became only the ninth Pakistani cricketer to reach the landmark figure, joining the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shahid Afridi among others.

---

ALSO READ

Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed hammer South Africa as Pakistan clinch ODI series

---

Here is a look at all Pakistani batters with over 1,000 runs in T20I cricket to their names.

Pakistan players with more than 1,000 runs in T20Is

Saim Ayub struck four boundaries in his enterprising 20 during his 47-run partnership with half-centurion Sahibzada Farhan. The youngster was eventually out stumped by Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off captain Dasun Shanaka inside the powerplay overs.

Nonetheless, Saim Ayub’s untimely dismissal made little difference to Pakistan’s cause as the ‘Men in Green’ still secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in 15.3 overs while chasing 129 to make it two wins in two games in the ongoing 2025 Pakistan T20I Tri-nation series.

---

ALSO READ

Forget Saim Ayub; Maaz Sadaqat is Pakistan's new explosive future

---