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'I Want Us To Bat 20 Overs' - Saim Ayub Throws A Challenge To Babar Azam

Ayub and Babar were terrific at the top of the order for Zalmi [X.com]Ayub and Babar were terrific at the top of the order for Zalmi [X.com]

Pakistan and Peshawar Zalmi's young opening batter Saim Ayub threw a unique challenge at the doorsteps of his franchise's skipper and modern-day batting stalwart Babar Azam, stating he wants them to pair up for all 20 overs of an innings some day. 

Having shared multiple crucial partnerships at the top of the order with the experienced and elegant right-hander and his Zalmi captain, Ayub expressed his amusing desire for the two to bat the entire quota of overs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) or even in T20Is for the senior national side. 

While Babar's skill and dependability are in no doubt, the 21-year-old ambitious left-hander said he, too, has the capabilities to ace the 20-over challenge by staying intact until the end of the innings for his team. 


Saim Ayub's Unique Challenge For Babar Azam 

"I want both of us to bat all 20 overs, and this is my wish," Ayub was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan after his opening duo with the prolific Babar proved to be an asset in Zalmi's run during PSL 2024 where they reached the playoffs and ended third in the competition. 

Ayub, considered a teenage batting prodigy in Pakistan circuit, managed to reinforce his talent and promise throughout PSL 2024 by scoring 345 runs at a fantastic strike-rate of 157.53.

Notably, the young turk also showcased his hand in the bowling department, delivering his useful part-time spin to take eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.45. 

Babar finished as the numero uno runs-getter of PSL 2024 by producing another bumper run with the bat, where his stellar 569 runs came in 11 innings at an average of 56.90 and strike-rate of 142.60, including one century and five half-centuries. 

The experienced batter was awarded the special 'Hanif Mohammad' cap for ending at the top of the charts as he proved his naysayers wrong by upscaling his T20 game and dominating the bowling in all stages.