Pakistan’s rising star Saim Ayub etched his name in the record books with a brilliant century during the first ODI against South Africa at Boland Park, Paarl, on December 17. The 22-year-old scored 109 runs off 119 balls, making him the youngest player to score an ODI century against South Africa while chasing.

This feat shattered a 31-year-old record held by legendary West Indian batter Brian Lara, who had reached this milestone at the age of 23 in 1991. Saim Ayub's achievement also saw him surpass South Africa's Quinton de Kock to become the youngest player to score a century while chasing on South African soil. De Kock had previously set the record in 2016 at the age of 23.

The left-hander is now the third-youngest overall to score a century against South Africa in ODIs, trailing only Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad and New Zealand’s Legend Kane Williamson.

Salman Agha Shares Player of the Match Award with Saim Ayub

In a heartwarming gesture, Salman Agha shared his Player of the Match award with Saim Ayub after Pakistan's thrilling win in the first ODI. The pair rescued Pakistan from a precarious 60 for 4, building a crucial 141-run partnership that ultimately secured the victory for the visitors. Salman Agha stayed unbeaten, guiding Pakistan to a winning start in the series.