How a 20-year-old cricketer in Peshawar Zalmi is taking PSL, and the internet, by storm

In this photo taken on February 17, 2023, Peshawar Zalmi's Saim Ayub (R) plays a shot during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20 cricket match between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan. (Photo courtesy: AFP/File)
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Updated 24 February 2023
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How a 20-year-old cricketer in Peshawar Zalmi is taking PSL, and the internet, by storm

  • Saim Ayub shot to social media fame last week for an incredible 'no-look six'
  • Cricketing experts have said Ayub could be an opener for Pakistan in the future

KARACHI: This year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) has shone a light on a number of emerging young cricket stars — and at the top of the list is Peshawar Zalmi's Saim Ayub who became a social media sensation last week with an incredible 'no-look six' that many are calling “the real deal.”

Ayub’s blitzing 53 runs off 37 balls in a game against Multan Sultans last week involved three sixes, including what is called a no-look six that he hit with his head down and without even sneaking a peep at the trajectory of the ball as it came off his bat and flew over the boundary rope. The shot launched comparisons to legendary left-handed batsman, Saeed Anwar, due to their similar batting styles. 

The no-look six refers to a shot that elite batsmen have aimed to hit in T20 cricket ever since Indian captain MS Dhoni pioneered the move against New Zealand in 2009. More and more batsmen, including from Pakistan, are trying these trick shots, especially in the shorter format of the game which encourages ingenuity and creativity, sometimes purely for entertainment value.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News on Tuesday, Ayub said he had worked hard to improve his batting in practice sessions and perfect the no-look six while working on his technique.

“It became a fantasy of mine [to hit a no-look six in a professional game],” he explained, smiling. “It feels good but I have to take it further Inshallah and improve it further.”

A native of Karachi, the 20-year-old made a name for himself in the National T20 Cup in which he represented Sindh and was the top scorer in the recently concluded 2022-23 season, also winning the player of the tournament award. Having represented Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2021, Ayub now plays for Peshawar Zalmi, currently placed third in the standings, with four points.

Ramiz Raja, former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, noticed Ayub’s talents and said he could be one of the future openers for the Pakistan national team, a dream for the young player who is considered a T20 specialist but is striving to improve as a batsman and play in One Day Internationals and Test matches too.

“Everyone has a goal to play for Pakistan and I also have [that] goal to make my country proud,” said Ayub, who has played in under-16 and under-19 matches but not yet been selected for the senior side.

When asked what he thought of Pakistan's fiery pace battery, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah (all in opposing PSL teams), Ayub oozed the same confidence of his no-look six.

“There is nothing to be afraid of," he said. "So, I will enjoy it and I wish they [top bowlers] come in front of me.”

Was there a bowler in the PSL he found particularly difficult to play?

“It’s not about a difficult or easy [bowler]. It’s the situation that’s difficult and the situation that is easy. I enjoy playing cricket against every bowler in every match. I enjoy playing, basically.”

Ayub praised his coaches at the PIA cricket academy at the under-16 and under-19 stages, and also gave credit to Kamran Akmal, Zalmi’s pre-tournament batting consultant, for teaching different tactics to players to help them prepare for various stages of the game against both spinners and fast bowlers.

“I learned something from him every day, about approaching the game with the fielding restrictions, and how to face up to different bowlers,” Ayub said.

Ayub praised Peshawar Zalmi's dressing room environment, likening it to a family, with captain Babar Azam ensuring there was no negativity in the team. The batter said he was happy to learn from former captain and Pakistan head coach Inzamam-ul-Haq, as well as Babar, who also leads the Pakistan team in all formats.

“I never thought I would be sharing a dressing room with these legends but I am very lucky and I feel great.”

Ayub called the PSL the biggest stage for youngsters to showcase their talent to selectors of the national team.

“Domestic is also essential for showcasing talent but you amass the main fan following here," he said. "When you perform in the PSL, you get attention. The entire Pakistan watches you at that moment, the entire world watches you."

And though he's taking it one game at a time, Ayub aspires to wear Pakistan's green colors and make his country proud.

“Everyone's goal is to play for Pakistan,” he said, “and I also have the goal to play for Pakistan and make sure my country's name shines.”


Paul Waring shoots 61 in Abu Dhabi to set 36-hole record on European tour with 19-under par

Updated 08 November 2024
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Paul Waring shoots 61 in Abu Dhabi to set 36-hole record on European tour with 19-under par

  • Waring, who opened with a 64 on Thursday, made nine birdies and an eagle in a bogey-free round at Yas Links
  • Rory McIlroy made a triple bogey on No. 17 in his second successive 67

ABU DHABI: Paul Waring hit the shot of his life to complete a career-low 11-under 61 in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday and establish a five-stroke lead heading into the weekend of the European tour’s first playoff event.
The No. 229-ranked Englishman hit a draw with a 3-wood from about 260 yards to inside 4 feet at No. 18 and tapped in the birdie putt to move to 19-under par for the tournament.
The European tour confirmed to The Associated Press that it is the lowest 36-hole score to par in the tour’s history.
Waring, who opened with a 64 on Thursday, made nine birdies and an eagle in a bogey-free round at Yas Links and set a course record.
First-round leader Tommy Fleetwood of England (68), Johannes Veerman of the United States (67) and Danish players Niklas Norgaard (65) and Thorbjorn Olesen (67) were tied for second place on 14 under.
Rory McIlroy made a triple bogey on No. 17 in his second successive 67 and was nine strokes off the lead.
McIlroy can clinch a sixth Race to Dubai title with a win this week.


Slot not surprised by flying start at Liverpool

Updated 08 November 2024
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Slot not surprised by flying start at Liverpool

  • Slot appeared to have a tough ask to follow Jurgen Klopp
  • The Dutch coach has won 14 and drawn one of his 16 matches in charge

Liverpool: Arne Slot said he is not shocked by a stunning start to life in charge of Liverpool as the Reds have stormed to the top of the Premier League and Champions League.
The Dutch coach has won 14 and drawn one of his 16 matches in charge in all competitions as the holders have also progressed to the League Cup quarter-finals.
Slot appeared to have a tough ask to follow Jurgen Klopp.
But he has built on the solid foundations left by the German after Liverpool finished third in the Premier League behind Manchester City and Arsenal last season.
“Surprise isn’t the right word I’d use because I knew the quality of our team. But quality is one thing, to be consistent is a second thing,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference ahead of hosting Aston Villa on Saturday.
“From the moment I started working with them I saw how much energy they put in on a daily basis and that is I think the reason you can be consistent.”
Liverpool were inspired by the power of the Anfield crowd to come from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 last weekend to move two points ahead of City at the top of the Premier League.
A similar atmosphere helped blow Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen away 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Slot is keen to keep his players’ feet on the ground but is happy for the fans to get excited about the possibility of just a second league title in 35 years.
“If the end result of them being excited is to bring the atmosphere of the second half against Brighton and the whole game against Leverkusen, I am hoping they will keep being excited because that atmosphere helped us a lot,” added the former Feyenoord boss.
Diogo Jota remains sidelined but should return after November’s international break.


Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif wins IBSF World Snooker Championship in Qatar

Updated 08 November 2024
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Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif wins IBSF World Snooker Championship in Qatar

  • Asif defeated Iran’s Ali Ghareghozlou 5-3 to clinch the title for 3rd time
  • PM Shehbaz Sharif promises to set up world-class facilities for sportsmen

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Pakistani cueist Muhammad Asif for winning the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship in Qatar for the third time, Pakistani state-run media reported on Thursday.
Asif defeated Iran’s Ali Ghareghozlou 5-3 to clinch the title in a thrilling final on Nov. 6. He outclassed Ali 5-3: 70-25, 7-87(84), 82(56)-8, 106(106)-08, 82-12, 43-91(58), 0-118 and 93(80)-4.
“Asif made the entire nation proud by winning the international championship for the third time,” PM Sharif was quoted as saying by the Radio Pakistan broadcaster. “The talented youth of Pakistan are highlighting the country’s name in the fields of sports.”
The IBSF, founded in 1971, is the governing body for billiards and snooker worldwide. It represents 85 member countries and is recognized by the World Confederation of Billiard Sports and the International Olympic Committee.
Asif, 42, first won the IBSF World Snooker Championship in 2012 and went on to win it again in 2019. His victory ties him with India’s Pankaj Advani who has also won the World Snooker Championship thrice.
The Pakistan prime minister said Asif’s family and coach also deserved recognition, adding that providing quality facilities to Pakistani players was top priority of his government.
“The government is making all possible efforts to provide international standard facilities to the players,” he added.
 


Raphinha’s evolution into a more versatile scorer is a big part of Flick’s great start at Barcelona

Updated 08 November 2024
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Raphinha’s evolution into a more versatile scorer is a big part of Flick’s great start at Barcelona

BARCELONA: Raphinha knew he would have a hard time getting off Barcelona’s bench with the soccer world enthralled by teen phenom Lamine Yamal and the club eyeing to sign another hot prospect in the attack.

Instead of pouting, he evolved.

While the entire Barcelona team improved under new coach Hansi Flick, no player has made such a leap forward this season as Raphinha.

His 12 goals and team-leading 10 assists across all competitions are a big part of why Barcelona is playing its best soccer since the exit of Lionel Messi more than three years ago.

But if one player looked to be on the out when the season started, it was the Brazil forward.

Raphinha seemed destined to become a second-choice right-side winger after 17-year-old Yamal helped Spain win the European Championship in dazzling style. To make matters worse, the club was heavily linked to a possible transfer bid to pry Spain left-side winger Nico Williams away from Athletic Bilbao.

That move never materialized for Williams, but Raphinha was still left with either playing in a new position or being a backup to Yamal.

And when Flick gave him the chance to have a new role, he made the most of it.


England gives call-up to more new faces in final squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over

Updated 08 November 2024
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England gives call-up to more new faces in final squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over

LONDON: Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall were called up to the England squad for the first time on Thursday as interim coach Lee Carsley made his final selection before Thomas Tuchel takes charge.

Tuchel does not start until January after being hired to lead the national team’s bid to win the 2026 World Cup.

Carsley will oversee England’s final Nations League games against Greece and Ireland and has continued to look toward a new generation of players, having already handed debuts to Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White and Noni Madueke since taking over on a temporary basis from Gareth Southgate in August.

Carsley said had not discussed his selection with Tuchel.

“He hasn’t had any influence on the squad selection. I’ve spoken to him by text, but it’s literally congratulations,” he said. “I think he’s highly respectful of the job that not only myself, but the staff are doing.

“We’ve been left to it, like we always have.”

England plays Greece in Athens on Nov. 14 and Ireland at Wembley on Nov. 17.

Carsley will resume his role as England Under-21 coach after those games.