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Fastest ODI Century: Opener Saim Ayub scored joint third-quickest century for Pakistan to lead his side to a dominating 10-wicket over Zimbabwe to level series 1-1. Chasing 146 at Queens Sports Club, Bulwayao, Ayub reached his maiden ODI century from just 53 balls. Pakistan chased down the target with 10 wickets in hand and 31.4 overs to spare.
The record of fastest ODI century for Pakistan belongs to Shahid Afridi who reached the milestone from just 37 balls against Sri Lanka. He has a 45-ball century against India and 53-ball century against Bangladesh.
Ayub's century is also the second-fastest against Zimbabwe in the One-Day format. South Africa's Mark Boucher holds the top spot with a 44-ball century.
Abrar shines on debut
Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Abrar Ahmed was handed his ODI debut cap. Apart from Dion Myers and Sean Williams, no Zimbabwe batter looked settled at the crease. Sikandar Raza hit two sixes but departed early. Abrar claimed four wickets whereas Agha Salman bagged three. Pacers Aamer Jamal and Haris Rauf remained wicketless whereas Ayub and Faisal Akram took one wicket each to bowl out Zimbabwe for 145 from 32.3 overs.
Ayub makes short work of run chase
In the run chase, Ayub adopted the attacking role whereas Abdullah Shafique played second fiddle. Shafique was dropped by Sean Williams in the seventh over off Blessing Muzarabani's bowling. Ayub reached his fifty with a six off Revor Gwandu. He took 32 balls to reach the milestone. Ayub accelerated in the middle overs. He reached his maiden ODI ton from 53 balls with a boundary off Raza in the 17th over. In the 19th over, Shafique finished off the run chase. Ayub's unbeaten 113 off 62 balls was laced with 17 fours and three sixes. On the other end, Shafique scored 32 runs from 48 balls including four fours.
The third and final ODI of the series will be played at the same venue on November 28.
