Pakistan’s exciting opener Saim Ayub put on a vivid display of his immense talent on Tuesday with a classy century as he led his team to a hard-fought three-wicket victory over South Africa in the first of three one-day internationals.
The 22-year-old Ayub struck his second ton in the seventh ODI with an elegant knock of 109 off 119 balls, which laid the foundations for victory as Pakistan scored 242 off seven balls with three balls to spare, in reply to South Africa’s 239 off nine balls 50 overs in Boland Park in Paarl.
The fifth wicket stand of 141 is 133 balls behind the fifth wicket and Salman Ali Agha turned the tide in favor of Pakistan, who initially struggled to score and failed to hit the required run rate as the South African bowlers maintained an early lead .
Ayub outplayed South Africa’s quick Ottniel Baartman by scoring 17 runs in four balls in the 35th minute, starting the chase and giving Pakistan a sight of the finish line.
Ayub, who hit 10 fours and three sixes, hit Kagiso Rabada deep into the ball with 39 runs and eight overs remaining.
READ ALSO | IND-W vs WI-W, 2nd T20I: Matthews blitzkrieg helps West Indies win by nine wickets
Two more wickets then fell quickly to halt Pakistan’s march and give the fans hope of an improbable comeback, but Salman’s unbeaten 82 took Pakistan home in the final over.
South Africa, who won the toss and elected to bat, fell from 70 for no loss to 88 for four, while part-time bowler Salman rose to the top to finish with four for 32 in eight overs.
The hosts thanked Heinrich Klaasen for the opportunity to post a competitive total, hitting 86 off 97 balls and maintaining their streak in a 73-run partnership, taking their fifth wicket with Aiden Markram, who had scored 35.
The second ODI will be played at Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday.
