Re: ODI cricket and general cricketing discussion [self - mod]
Saim Ayub and Shafique are the perfect opening pair for Pakistan. Although Shafique has not improved his performance in several matches, I think he will continue to shine in the next matches. The problem with Pakistan was that if Babar Azam and Rizwan lost their wickets, no one could pull the match back, but from there they have definitely made a good opening pair. If Saim Ayub can play such big innings, then it will not be easy for others to defeat for Pakistan team. Saim Ayub has only played 9 ODIs in international cricket, out of which he has scored 3 centuries. Since he has just joined cricket, Pakistan cricket will definitely get a lot from him.
Pakistan won third ODI with whitewashed South Africa on their soil which is huge achievement for them after having humiliating defeats in T20I matches they fight back and register good success which give them good confidence for test series which is going to start on 26th December with Boxing Day test match hopefully they will end their year with good result and have good performance in this match as well.
Here in ODI series we have few unwanted records for the Abdullah Sahfique as he registered three ducks in three matches this is only first time happen with any Pakistani opener, and he also breaks the record of Imran Nazir ducks in calendar year which he created 2000 after having 6 ducks 32 matches in single year now his tally is 7 in 21 matches narrowly escape world record which is jointly held by Herschelle Gibbs 2002 and Tillakaratne Dilshan 2012 with 8 ducks.