In a historic match during the ongoing ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan on October 10, 2023, Saim Ayub made headlines by breaking former West Indies captain Brain Lara’s record for the highest score by a batsman in an ODI debut. Ayub’s remarkable performance led him to score 133 runs off just 82 balls, establishing a new record previously held by Lara, who scored 110 in his first ODI against Bangladesh in 1990. The match took place in Centurion, where Pakistan secured a victory against South Africa by 75 runs. This significant achievement also made Ayub the fastest player to score a century on debut, surpassing the record held by the iconic AB de Villiers. In a post-match interview, Ayub expressed his joy by stating, ‘It’s a dream come true to represent my country and to leave a mark in my first match. I hope to continue performing and contribute to the team’s success.’ South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, acknowledged Ayub’s talent, remarking, ‘He played exceptionally well and showed maturity beyond his years. It’s always tough to play against a player in such form.’ The match featured a stellar performance by Pakistan’s bowling unit as well, with Shaheen Afridi taking three wickets, playing a crucial role in restricting South Africa to 203 runs in response to Pakistan’s imposing total of 278. The concluding note of the match highlighted the overall exhilarating nature of the game, with cricket fans eagerly anticipating the subsequent matches in the series, which promises to showcase more thrilling performances.
Saim Ayub Shatters Brain Lara’s ODI Record in South Africa vs Pakistan Series
