Saim, Salman creates history in first South Africa ODI

Opener Saim Ayub and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha created history as Pakistan clinched the first ODI against South Africa in Paarl late on Tuesday.

Sami smashed a classy ton, while Salman starred with both ball and the bat to give Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Doing so, Saim became the youngest player to score a century in South Africa. He scored 109 runs off 119 balls, which included 10 fours and three sixes.

Saim achieved this feat at the age of 22 years and 207 days. He surpassed some of the legends of many cricket with a feat.

Quinton de Kock achieved this milestone at the age of 23 years and 48 days.

Overall, Saim is the third youngest batter to score a century against South Africa in ODI cricket, before Ahmed Shehzad holds the records with 22 years and four days, followed by Kane Williamson (22 years, 167 days).

Apart from that, Salman Agha surpassed Mohammad Hafeez’s record. The all-rounder scored an unbeaten 82 and claimed four wickets in the game.

This is the seventh time in the history of ODI cricket that a player has taken four wickets in a match and scored 80 or more runs in batting.

Sir Vivian Richards achieved this feat against New Zealand in 1987, Graeme Hook in 2000, Sanath Jayasuriya in 2003, Chris Gayle in 2003, Mohammad Hafeez in 2015, A Ilyas in 2020 and Salman Agha in yesterday’s match against South Africa.