Tag: top-order batter

**Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets Unwanted Record**

*By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm*

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a challenging tournament in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. Despite being regarded as one of the most talented openers, Ayub struggled with the bat, managing an average of just 5.28 throughout the competition. This unfortunate performance marks the second-lowest batting average for a top-order player (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz. His dismal run included four ducks during the event.

### A Difficult Asia Cup for Ayub

Ayub’s underwhelming form significantly impacted Pakistan’s top order. Across seven innings, he scored only 37 runs, averaging a mere 5.28. Cricbuzz notes that this is the second-lowest average recorded by any top-order batter in a T20I series between Full Member nations. The only player with a worse average is Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged 5 during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Starting the tournament as an opener, Ayub was eventually moved down the batting order as his struggles continued. His scores included three consecutive ducks against Oman, India, and the UAE, followed by another duck against Bangladesh. The only respite came in two matches against India, where he scored 21 and 14 runs respectively.

### Strength with the Ball

Although Ayub found runs hard to come by, he proved effective with his off-spin bowling. He took eight wickets in seven matches during the Asia Cup, maintaining an impressive average of 16.00 and an economy rate of 6.40. His bowling efforts were a bright spot amid his batting woes.

### Career Overview

Since making his T20I debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 matches, accumulating 853 runs at an average of 19.38. He boasts a strike rate of 134.11 and has scored four half-centuries in this format so far. Despite the recent setback in the Asia Cup, Ayub remains a promising talent for Pakistan’s cricket future.

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Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the Asia Cup and international cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets an Unwanted Record

By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm

What’s the story?

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a disappointing run in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Despite being regarded as one of the most talented openers, Ayub averaged just 5.28 with the bat throughout the tournament. This marks the second-lowest batting average for a top-order batter (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz. His struggles included four ducks during the competition.

Underperformance: Second-Lowest Average by a Top-Order Player

Ayub’s poor form significantly affected Pakistan’s top order. In seven innings, he managed to score only 37 runs, resulting in an average of 5.28. As per Cricbuzz statistics, this is the second-lowest average ever recorded by a top-order player in a T20I series contested between Full Member nations.

The only player with a lower average is Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged 5 during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Performance Breakdown: His Asia Cup 2025 Journey

Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, Ayub’s batting troubles continued unabated. He started the tournament opening the innings but was eventually demoted down the order in an attempt to find form. Unfortunately, these changes did not pay off.

His scores included three consecutive ducks in matches against Oman, India, and UAE, with an additional duck against Bangladesh. The only relatively better performances were scores of 21 and 14 in the other two games against India.

Effective with the Ball

While Ayub’s batting was below par, his contributions with the ball were noteworthy. The off-spinner took 8 wickets in 7 matches at an impressive average of 16.00 during the Asia Cup. Additionally, his economy rate was a commendable 6.40, adding valuable support to Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Overall T20I Career So Far

Since making his debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 T20I matches. In this span, he has accumulated 853 runs at an average of 19.38. His strike rate stands at a healthy 134.11, and he has recorded four half-centuries in T20I cricket.

Despite his struggles in the 2025 Asia Cup, Ayub remains a promising talent with all-round capabilities to bounce back in future tournaments.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets Unwanted Record

By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm

What’s the story?

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a difficult tournament in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. Despite being one of the most talented batsmen in the lineup, Ayub struggled with the bat, averaging just 5.28 throughout the series. This unfortunate performance has now placed him with the second-lowest average for a top-order batter (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz.

Underperformance: Second-Lowest Average by a Top-Order Player

Ayub’s poor run with the bat was a significant concern for Pakistan’s top order. Over seven innings, he managed only 37 runs, resulting in a dismal average of 5.28. Cricbuzz notes that this is the second-lowest average by any top-order player in a T20I series between Full Member nations. The only lower average was registered by Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged five during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Performance Breakdown: Ayub’s Journey Through Asia Cup 2025

Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, Ayub’s form steadily declined. He started the tournament opening the innings but was later demoted down the order in an attempt to revive his performance. Unfortunately, these changes did not help. His batting included four ducks, with three consecutive zeroes against Oman, India, and UAE, followed by another duck versus Bangladesh. His only notable scores were 21 and 14 in two separate matches against India.

Effective with the Ball

Though Ayub struggled with the bat, he was surprisingly effective as a bowler during the tournament. The off-spinner claimed eight wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 16.00. Additionally, he maintained a tight economy rate of 6.40, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s bowling efforts.

Ayub’s Overall T20I Record

Since making his international T20 debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 T20I matches, accumulating 853 runs at an average of 19.38. He holds a strike rate of 134.11 and has registered four half-centuries in the format so far.

While Ayub’s recent performance at the Asia Cup was disappointing, his overall career shows promise. Fans and experts alike will be hoping he can bounce back stronger in upcoming series.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story