"Individual performances....": Saim Ayub takes a dig at Babar Azam after match-winning knock vs Australia

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has taken a dig at his team's senior batter and star Babar Azam. Ayub played a wonderful knock during Pakistan's run-chase and killed the chase with his amazing strokeplay.

Ayub scored 82 off just 71 balls as he showed his full range of strokes. The 22-year-old opener put on a magnificent partnership of 137 runs for the first wicket with the other opener Abdullah Shafique.

Also read: Babar Azam ignored: Michael Vaughan picks Pakistan's new superstar after historic ODI win in Australia

Saim Ayub takes a dig at Babar Azam after his match-winning knock

After the match, Saim Ayub took a dig at his team's senior batter Babar Azam. Ayub spoke about performing as a team rather than concentrating on individual records. He expressed his pleasure that Pakistan are back on the winning path again.

"Individual performances don't matter. What matters is that we keep improving as a team. Even if we improve 1% every match, we will be in the right direction. We are just happy that Pakistan is winning matches again," Ayub said at the press conference after the second ODI.

Saim Ayub said "Individual performances don't matter. What matters is that we keep improving as a team. Even if we improve 1% every match, we will be in the right direction. We are just happy that Pakistan is winning matches again" 💚💚💚 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/MgBDyur2WG

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 8, 2024

Babar Azam has been previously criticized for individual records and not performing for the team. The star Pakistan batter has been slammed for his poor strike rate in T20Is on various occasions.

Saim Ayub overcomes early struggles to play a match-winning knock

Saim Ayub was troubled with the new ball early by Australia's opening bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. He was lucky to survive the opening spell. Both Starc and Hazlewood went past both his edges several times.

He was on 6 off 27 balls at one time. But the youngster finally found a four off his 28th ball off Hazlewood. Ayub struck his first six in the 11th over off Pat Cummins and that was a sign of something destructive to come.

The left-hander kept smashing the balls in every over and kept playing an aggressive brand of cricket. He was dropped by Adam Zampa on the way but that did not stop him from playing his shots.

Saim Ayub continued his six-hitting spree as he did not spare any bowler after being set. With the target much smaller, he had the license to go for his shots. His free-flowing knock ended in the 21st over when the legspinner Adam Zampa dismissed him for a well-made 82. He smashed 5 fours and 6 sixes during his whirlwind knock.

Pakistan level series 1-1

Meanwhile, his opening partner Abdullah Shafique looked assured at the crease and held one end. Shafique scored 64 off 69 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Shafique was solid during his innings and remained unbeaten at the crease.

Babar Azam walked in at No. 3 after Ayub's dismissal. Babar remained unbeaten on 15 off 20 balls as Pakistan chased down the target with more than 23 overs remaining and nine wickets in hand.

With this win, Pakistan have levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1. The last ODI of the series will be played in Perth on November 10. Both the teams will be eyeing to win the series which will be a confidence booster for them ahead of next year's Champions Trophy.