Saim Ayub equals Shahid Afridi's 14-year record in Bulawayo

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub slammed the third-fastest One-Day International century (ODI) for Pakistan in their encounter against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. He reached his century off just 53 deliveries, equalling Shahid Afridi's record against Bangladesh in Dambulla in 2010.

Afridi holds the record for the fastest and second-fastest ton for Pakistan in ODIs. His fastest century came against Sri Lanka in Nairobi in 1996, reaching the landmark in just 37 deliveries. He also hit a 45-ball ton against India in Kanpur in 2005.

This was Ayub's maiden ODI century in just his fifth game in the format for his country. He finished unbeaten on 113 off just 62 deliveries and helped chase down 146 in just 18.2 deliveries with all 10 wickets intact. His opening partner Abdullah Shafique played second fiddle in the unbroken 148-run stand, finishing with 32 off 48.

Fastest 140+ chases in ODI history:

New Zealand 165/0 in 18.1 overs vs ENG in Hamilton, 2008

Pakistan 148/0 in 18.2 overs vs ZIM in Bulawayo, 2024

England 153/3 in 18.3 overs vs SL in Pallekele, 2018

Sri Lanka 146/1 in 18.4 overs vs KEN in Colombo, 2011

In the ongoing series, Zimbabwe stunned Pakistan in the first ODI, defeating them by 80 runs (DLS). However, Pakistan bounced back well in the second game to level the series.

The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on November 28 (Thursday), ahead of the three-match T20 International (T20I) series, starting December 1 (Sunday).

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