• Source:JND
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PAK vs ZIM, 1st T20I: The highly-awaited T20I series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe began on Sunday in Bulawayo. Pakistan's stand-in captain Agha Salman won the toss and chose to bat first in the series opener.

Ayub fails in senior absence

The Men in Green are playing this series without the services of a few star players and had a jittery start as they suffered a batting collapse. But irrespective of all this Saim Ayub and Usman Khan built a partnership of 39 runs for the second wicket. And just when both these batters were looking in good touch, Ayub gifted his wicket and was seen walking back to the dressing room after scoring just 24 runs off 18 balls, in which he had also smashed two fours and a six.

The incident happened during the fourth ball of the eighth over, when Masakzada bowled a flatter delivery as the ball went towards the outside off as the batter tried to go big. But Saim mistimed the shot which led to Trevor Gwandu, who was standing at long-off take an easy catch.

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Watch the video here:

Fans slam Ayub as he chases maiden T20I fifty

The Pakistan cricket fans slammed Ayub on their social media account for his sub-par performance. This was the first time that the Men in Green were playing in the shortest format after their humiliating group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. It should be noted here that Ayub has represented Pakistan in 24 T20Is till now and hasn't scored a single half-century yet.

The fans highlighted the extensive support the team management had given Ayub as he had scored just 333 runs after playing in 15 T20Is till now. At the same time, a few fans also criticized Usman Khan's intent as he scored a run-a-ball inning during the 39-run partnership with Ayub for the second wicket, where he scored just 15 runs.

Speaking about the match, Pakistan had posted a target of 165/4 in 20 overs.