Pakistan’s young cricket star Saim Ayub has revealed how focusing on his bowling transformed him into a key all-rounder in T20 cricket.
Until mid-2025, Ayub was primarily known for his explosive batting. In 27 T20 internationals, he had bowled only five overs, and his Pakistan Super League appearances also showed minimal bowling. He quickly became famous for his aggressive stroke play at the top of the order, making him one of Pakistan’s most exciting batters.
That perception changed when former Australia fast bowler Ashley Noffke joined Pakistan’s coaching staff. Although hired to train fast bowlers, Noffke took a special interest in Ayub’s rarely used part-time spin. Ayub admitted he had only bowled casually in club cricket and never imagined contributing as a bowler at the international level.
Just four months later, Ayub emerged as one of Pakistan’s standout bowlers at the Asia Cup. He finished as Pakistan’s most economical bowler in a narrow loss to India, a match noted for his removal from the attack in favor of pace bowler Haris Rauf. According to the International Cricket Council, Ayub is now ranked as the world’s top T20I all-rounder.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s T20I series against Australia, Ayub explained his mindset. “Getting into the team was not my decision, and leaving it won’t be either,” he said. “The only thing I control is my work and belief. The goal is not just to stay in the team but to be an elite cricketer when I retire.”
Ayub’s journey included early struggles in the Pakistan Super League, where he scored only 114 runs at a low strike rate. He returned to domestic cricket, gradually developing his skills before shining in the Caribbean Premier League and a record chase against New Zealand.
Since May 2025, Saim Ayub has bowled more overs than most of his teammates, becoming one of Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers. He credits Noffke for teaching technique, strategy, and variations, turning his casual bowling into a serious weapon.
In other related news also read Saim Ayub Excluded from South Africa Series
Looking ahead to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Ayub emphasized that his role will depend on pitch conditions and team strategy, reflecting his maturity as a rising all-rounder.
