Saim Ayub became the third fastest centurion for Pakistan in the 50-over format with his maiden ton in the 2nd match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

The batter starred with a 53-ball ton as Pakistan romped to victory by 10 wickets, levelling the 3-match series at 1-1 after their 80-run loss due to DLS in the first match. Ayub ultimately scored an unbeaten 113 with the help of 17 fours and three sixes.

Former Pakistan great Shahid Afridi still holds the record of fastest ODI hundred for Pakistan when he made 102 off 37 balls against Sri Lanka at Nairobi in 1996 and then scored 102 off 45 balls against India at Kanpur in 2005.

1️⃣1️⃣3️⃣ not out6️⃣2️⃣ balls1️⃣7️⃣ fours3️⃣ sixes@SaimAyub7's whirlwind maiden ODI ???? earns him the player of the match award ????#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/sI3s0f1XpJ

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 26, 2024

“The way the guys started with the ball, they performed very well and gave us the foundation. After that, Saim Ayub’s innings was exceptional,” Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said after the match.

Earlier, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed snared 4-33 in his debut ODI and off-spinner Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 3-26 to dismiss Zimbabwe for 145 in 32.3 overs after the home team won the toss and elected to bat.

Ayub hurried the run-chase with some exquisite drives on both sides of the wicket and raised his half century off 32 balls with his signature pulled shot over fine leg for a six to Trevor Gwandu.

Ayub’s opening partner Abdullah Shafique (32 not out) escaped an earlier dropped catch of Blessing Muzarabani before he watched his partner smashing boundaries at will. Ayub reached his century off 53 balls when he hit Brandon Mavuta for a boundary over mid-wicket as the leg-spinner conceded 47 runs off his four wicketless overs.

The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Thursday before the teams will meet in a three-match T20 series.

(With agency inputs)

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