Saim Ayub and Babar Azam equal most century partnerships record against Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2024

Peshawar Zalmi’s openers, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, achieved a significant milestone during the recent match in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam equaled the record for the most century stands in the Pakistan Super League’s history.

The opening pair played a crucial role in Peshawar Zalmi’s 8-run victory over the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, on Sunday, February 25th. The Peshawar team recorded their second consecutive win of the ongoing PSL season, moving up in the points table.

Saim Ayub and Babar Azam equal most century partnerships record

Saim Ayub and Babar Azam stitched together an impressive opening stand after being asked to bat first. The batters dominated the opposition bowling attack, adding a 136-run partnership. This marked their fourth-century partnership in 14 innings during the PSL.

Babar and Saim matched the record set by Mohammad Rizwan and Rilee Rossouw. They achieved this milestone in the fewest innings among record-holders. Rizwan and Rossouw accomplished it in 16 innings, while Rizwan and Shan Masood reached it in 28 innings.

Most Century Partnerships In PSL:

4 – Babar Azam and Saim Ayub (14 innings)

4 – Mohammad Rizwan and Rilee Rossouw (16 innings)

4 – Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood (28 innings)

Babar Azam scored 48 runs from 36 deliveries before falling victim to Lahore Qalandars skipper Shaheen Afridi. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub scored 82 runs from 55 balls, with the help of eight fours and four sixes. Afridi also managed to pick the wicket of Ayub in the 18th over.

The Peshawar team posted a total of 211-4 in their allocated 20 overs. Rovman Powell scored 46 runs off 20 deliveries, including five boundaries and two sixes. Shaheen Afridi took three wickets for 33 runs in his four overs, while Jahandad Khan contributed with one wicket.

Saim Ayub Struggled In The First Three Games – Babar Azam

Peshawar captain Babar Azam expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. Babar said that he discussed with Saim Ayub after his struggles in the first three matches of PSL 2024.

“Feel good. All credit to boys. At the toss I saw the pitch, I thought about 180-190, but the way we started, first six overs and then gradually built the innings. In my opinion, we were 10-15 short. Use the big boundary and believe in yourself. Bowl your best ball according to the field. Focus on bowling and fielding,” Azam said.

“[on Ayub] Good to see him, he struggled in the first 3 games. I spoke to him and said, believe in yourself, see the ball and play the ball, because you are the best. As a captain you think too much, when you have a senior player like Powell, he is already West Indies captain, I always go and ask him what I can do and which bowlers we can use. Our communication is good. [on if he asks for inputs on the field?] Always, always,” he added.

The Peshawar Zalmi successfully defended a target in a nail-biting encounter. Rassie van der Dussen scored an unbeaten 104 runs off 52 balls, but his effort went in vain as Lahore failed to cross the finish line. The Lahore franchise suffered its fifth consecutive loss.

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