WATCH: Saim Ayub smashes Mitchell Starc for massive six during his match-winning 82 in 2nd ODI vs Australia

Young Pakistan opener Saim Ayub put on a fabulous display to power his side to a massive nine-wicket win over ODI world champions Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Friday. Playing in only is 2nd ODI match, Ayub made the 164-run look like a breeze, as he smashed his maiden ODI fifty – 82 off 71 balls with six sixes an 5 fours as Mohammad Rizwan’s side raced to a win with more than 23 overs to spare.

One of those sixes was a special pick-up shot on the leg-side off premier Australian pacer Mitchell Starc – who had taken three wickets in the first ODI win for Australia. The pickup six of Ayub soon went viral on social media.

WATCH Saim Ayub smash a six off Mitchell Starc HERE…

 

Flipped around the corner – for SIX! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/9D7sWOCoFM

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 8, 2024

Ayub was batting on 7 off 27 balls at one stage but dramatically changed gears to make the match a one-sided contest. He put on 137 runs for the first wicket with Abdullah Shafique, who remained unbeaten on 64 off 69 balls with three sixes and four fours.

“The most important thing for me is that the team won. We tried to be positive, the most important thing is how we played as a team. It’s about watching the ball and trying to be positive,” Ayub said after the match.

“I just trusted myself. Victory always gives you confidence. We are committed to our team values and we are enjoying each other’s company. Being in the present moment is the most important thing. Our bowling unit was magnificent,” Ayub added.

The win on Friday was also etched on the history books as it’s Pakistan’s first victory in Adelaide against Australia after 1996. It seemed easy for Pakistan from the very first moment of the game. Mohammad Rizwan’s side dominated the Aussies with the help of Rauf and Ayub.

In the first innings, it was Haris Rauf who delivered a breathtaking spell to bundle out the Aussie batting lineup at 163. Rauf was named the Player of the Match following his staggering performance in the game.

The Pakistan bowling attack was at their best as they rejuvenated under Rizwan’s captaincy. Haris Rauf was the star in the first inning after he bagged five wickets and gave 29 runs in his 8-over spell. Shaheen Afridi. who was struggling with his form recently, picked up three wickets in his eight-over spell.