After Babar, Pakistan have got such a player: Fakhar on Saim Ayub

Fakhar Zaman praised his teammate Saim Ayub, after the duo lifted Pakistan from a poor start against New Zealand in first T20I in Lahore.

With Pakistan losing both their openers with 30 runs on the board, Ayub lifted the tempo with two boundaries each off Milne and Ben Lister before he and Zaman hit a six each off spinner Ish Sodhi in the tenth over.

Zaman struck four boundaries and two sixes in his 47-run knock while Ayub's rapid 28-ball 47-run innings featured two sixes and six fours.

"Saim is a wonderful addition in the batting line-up. His range of shots is really good. After Babar, Pakistan have got such a player. You can’t judge a player so early, but I feel that if he continues to work hard and take care of himself, then he would serve Pakistan for a long time and will win a lot of matches for Pakistan," Fakhar said.

Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, also expressed his appreciation for the 20-year-old talented batsman from Karachi.

"Saim and Fakhar rebuilt the innings and didn't let us feel under pressure. However much we praise and appreciate Saim Ayub isn't enough. He's improving day by day, avails his opportunities, and dominates. I wish him the best for the future," Babar said.

Pakistan cricket fans will be hoping that Saim can continue to impress and develop into a top-level player, just like Babar has done over the years.