Pakistan batter Saim Ayub has endured a difficult 2025 Asia Cup, continuing his struggles with the bat during the Super Fours game against Bangladesh.
Coming in to bat at one-drop, Saim Ayub was dismissed for a three-ball duck after spooning a catch to Rishad Hossain off Mahedi Hasan’s bowling. This latest dismissal marked his sixth duck in just 20 T20I matches in 2025, equaling the record held by Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava for most ducks in a single calendar year.
Earlier in the Asia Cup, Saim Ayub failed to score in Pakistan’s group matches against Oman, India, and the UAE. His repeated low scores have raised concerns about his current form and consistency at the international level.
With nine ducks in 47 T20I matches overall, Saim Ayub has now surpassed Shahid Afridi to hold the second-highest number of zero scores for Pakistan in T20Is. Only Umar Akmal, with ten ducks in 84 matches, remains ahead of him.
Despite his struggles with the bat, Saim Ayub has shown some promise with the ball in the Asia Cup. However, his continued failures with the bat have prompted serious questions about his place in the team. Analysts suggest that with senior players returning for Pakistan’s upcoming series against South Africa, Ayub may face competition for his spot in the lineup.
Saim Ayub’s ability to regain form will be crucial for Pakistan’s T20 strategy. His performance in the coming matches could determine his long-term role in the national team. Fans and selectors alike will be watching closely to see if he can overcome this slump and contribute significantly in future T20 tournaments.
This challenging phase in Saim Ayub’s career highlights the pressures faced by young cricketers and the importance of consistent performance at the international level.
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