Saim Ayub smashes Brian Lara's ODI record

Saim Ayub set a new record during Pakistan’s opening ODI against South Africa at Boland Park, becoming the youngest player to score an ODI century while chasing against South Africa.

The 22-year-old batsman scored 109 runs off 119 balls, breaking the previous record held by Brian Lara, who was 23 years and 297 days old when he achieved the feat in 1993.

Pakistan was chasing a target of 240 runs when early wickets fell, including Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam, who were dismissed for low scores.

Captain Babar Azam also failed to make a significant contribution, scoring just 23 runs off 38 balls.

Ayub then formed a crucial partnership with Salman Agha, adding 141 runs for the fifth wicket. His knock included 10 boundaries and a six before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada.

Despite Ayub's departure, Pakistan reached the target with one ball to spare, securing a three-wicket victory.

In a sportsmanlike gesture, Salman Agha handed over his "Man of the Match" award to Saim Ayub. This century marked Ayub’s second in ODIs, following his first in Zimbabwe just a month earlier.

He also became the youngest player to score an ODI century in South Africa while chasing, surpassing the previous record held by Quinton de Kock, who was 23 years and 48 days old in 2016.

Saim Ayub is now the third youngest player to score an ODI century against South Africa, after Ahmed Shehzad and Kane Williamson, who achieved the feat in South Africa.

With this victory, Pakistan leads the three-match series 1-0. The next match is scheduled for December 20 in Cape Town.