Saim Ayub joins Shahid Afridi and Sharjeel Khan in elite century club against Zimbabwe

Opening batter Saim Ayub has made history, becoming the third Pakistani cricketer to smash one of the fastest centuries in ODI cricket.

During Pakistan's emphatic 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI of the three-match series, the 21-year-old smashed a scintillating hundred off just 53 balls, showcasing a fearless display of stroke-making against the Zimbabwean bowlers in Bulawayo. His innings, laced with 17 fours and 3 towering sixes, ensured Pakistan chased down the target with ease to level the series 1-1.

Shahid Afridi still remains the fastest Pakistani to achieve the milestone, having smashed a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi in 1996, followed by another iconic 45-ball century against India in Kanpur in 2005. Saim's remarkable feat now places him just behind Afridi's legendary efforts in Pakistan’s ODI history. Paired with Abdullah Shafique, who played a composed supporting role, Saim ensured Pakistan chased down Zimbabwe's modest 146-run target with ease in just 18.2 overs.

Former South African captain AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI century, smashing 100 runs off just 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015.

The match was a do-or-die situation for Pakistan after losing the opening game of the series. Ayub’s heroics, along with disciplined bowling earlier in the day, especially from Abrar Ahmed, who took 4/33, restricted Zimbabwe to a modest 145. 

His record-breaking performance not only leveled the series but also highlighted the young batter’s potential as a future star for Pakistan. With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams are set to clash in the third and final ODI on Thursday at the same venue.