PAK vs NZ: "After Babar Azam, Pakistan Have Got Such A Player" - Fakhar Zaman Lauds Saim Ayub

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman praised the young batter Saim Ayub for his performance against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match T20I series. Pakistan started the white ball series on a high note by beating New Zealand by 88 runs in the series opener at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, April 14.

The hosts lost openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for just 30 runs after opting to bat first. Saim Ayub added a 79-run partnership for the third wicket with Fakhar Zaman and helped the team get a big total on the board. Saim played attacking innings of 47 runs off 28 balls, including six fours and two sixes.

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Can’t Judge A Player So Early – Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman believes that Saim Ayub will add more value to Pakistan’s batting line-up with his wide range of shots. Zaman said that if Saim works hard, he will stay for a long time and win many matches for Pakistan.

“Saim is a wonderful addition to the batting line-up. His range of shots is really good. After Babar, Pakistan have got such a player,” Fakhar Zaman said.

“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,” he added.

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He’s Improving Day By Day – Babar Azam

Pakistan captain Babar Azam appreciated Saim Ayub for forming a vital partnership with Fakhar Zaman after two early wickets. Babar said that the 20-year-old is making the most of his opportunities by improving his performance.

“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 Azam said.

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Pakistani bowlers bundled out the Kiwis for just 94 runs in 15.4 overs. Mark Chapman topped the New Zealand batting order with 35 runs off 27 balls. Haris Rauf was named Man of the Match for his brilliant bowling, taking four wickets for just 17 runs in his spell.

The Babar Azam-led side will take on the Black Caps in the second T20I match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, April 15. The Men in Green will try to maintain their lead in the five-match series.

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