Pakistan 21-year-old left-handed opening batsman Saim Ayub feels that his opening partnership with Babar Azam is much more extensive than opening with Mohamed Rizwan. Ayub, who hosts Peshawar Zalmi on PSL 9, admitted this while he was speaking to a local Pakistani media a couple of days ago. The youngster is considered the next most talented batsman in the country.

Saim Ayub has been opening for Babar Azam for the last two seasons in the Pakistan Super League. Babar captains the Peshawar-based team as they seek their second PSL title and first time since winning it in 2017. They have bowed out of the competition since the play-off stages for the last two seasons. This year they will look to finally end their wait and become the most successful PSL team.

Peshawar Zalmi currently sit third in the points table after playing their first 5 league matches. Babar Azam’s team recorded 3 wins and suffered 2 losses. They are scheduled to go head-to-head against reigning champions Lahore Qalandars, who are still searching for that first league win. A complete victory today for the Zalmis will put them in second place and replace the Quetta Gladiators.

Batting with Babar is fun, says Saim Ayub

Coming back to the context, Saim Ayub stated that he really enjoys batting with the former Pakistan captain. He would remember the moment when he first entered the Peshawar Zalmi camp and how hesitant he was when he tried to talk to Babar. He stated that once the ice was broken, he not only started enjoying but also learned a lot from the top order batsman.

“I enjoy it a lot, last year it was the case that I didn’t talk much with him. [Babar] since I was new to this setup. Then I started playing with him and I also represented Pakistan, so I get on very well with him and now I really enjoy batting alongside him. And I constantly learn from him by talking and watching him bat,” Cricket Pakistan quoted Saim Ayub as saying.

The 21-year-old further praised Babar Azam for his lethality during power plays and praised his knack for constantly finding holes.

“I think we have a lot of discussions and then his hitting ability, especially in the power play, is very high. Because he is finding gaps all the time, and in case he doesn’t, I try to fill that gap,” Ayub added.

Saim Ayub gives diplomatic answer when asked to choose between Babar and Mohammad Rizwan

Then came the most interesting question for Saim Ayub. He was asked to choose between Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan in terms of a more likable partner during the opening. The youngster did not want to offend anyone and he gave a rather diplomatic response, stating that he only opened 4 times for Rizwan and has been opening for Babar in PSL since last season.

Therefore, he chose to remain neutral and stated that they both have fun in their own way.

“I have enjoyed both of them, I have opened with Rizwan bhai only four times while I have been opening with Babar bhai since the last PSL. I enjoyed them both because they have both scored a lot of runs and it feels great to play alongside them,” Ayub concluded.