Young opening batter Saim Ayub expressed his excitement after receiving Pakistan’s kit with his name on it, ahead of his expected T20I debut against Afghanistan in Sharjah. The left-handed batsman took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, promising to do his best to never let Pakistan down.
“I wanted you from day one. I wanted to do everything to have you, now I’ve earned you, so I promise I’ll do everything to never let you down Pakistan. Keep supporting and remembering me in your prayers in this Holy month of Ramadan,” Saim wrote.
Saim’s impressive performances for Peshawar Zalmi in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8 earned him a maiden call-up to the national team. With Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan resting during the Afghanistan series, Saim is expected to open the batting alongside Mohammad Haris.
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During PSL 8, Saim opened the innings with skipper Babar for Zalmi, showcasing his stylish and consistent batting. He scored 341 runs in 12 matches in the tournament, making him a solid candidate for the Pakistan team’s call-up.
In an interview, Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s captain for the Afghanistan T20I series, highly praised Saim. “I think Saim is an exceptional talent. After a very long time, we have got a player like him who we can say is as stylish and good as Babar and Abdullah,” lauded Shadab.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad against Afghanistan
Shadab Khan (c), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan
Reserved players: Abrar Ahmed, Haseebullah, Usama Mir
Schedule
Mar 24 – First T20I – Sharjah
Mar 26 – Second T20I – Sharjah
Mar 27 – Third T20I – Sharjah
