It was a sensational 68 in 36 balls from Saim Ayub that helped Peshawar Zalmi beat table-toppers Lahore Qalandars by 35 runs at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday in the HBL Pakistan Super League 8.

Left-hander Saim recorded his third half-century of the edition after being promoted to the top of the order. He smashed eight fours and three sixes in an innings defined by gorgeous stroke making.

The 20-year-old made the most of the field restrictions in the first six overs, scoring 43 in 24 balls that propelled Peshawar Zalmi to 67 by the end of the Powerplay.

It must be noted that Saim played his first season of PSL with Quetta Gladiators during the sixth edition of the tournament. Although, Saim didn’t have an impressive tournament, he earned great praise from West Indian legend, Chris Gayle, who also represented Gladiators in the same edition.

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In 2021, Gayle pointed out Saim as the batsman to watch out for in the future.

“Saw him [Saim] bat last night and he looked one for the future,” said Gayle.

After being the second-highest run getter in the National T20 Cup last year, Saim is again proving his mettle in the ongoing PSL.

His impressive knock against Qalandars, who are widely regarded as best bowling attack in the tournament, earned huge praise from Islamabad United skipper, Shadab Khan.

“Saim is class. Future superstar,” Shadab tweeted on Tuesday.

After Saim’s dismissal in the aforementioned match, he was also appreciated by the likes of Rashid Khan and Shaheen Afridi, as he walked back towards the pavilion.