Saim Ayub Vs Fakhar Zaman: Who Is A Better Opener?

Fakhar Zaman Vs Saim Ayub [Source: @ahtashamriaz22/X.Com]

There is no doubt that Saim Ayub is one of the best batters produced by Pakistan team in modern times. He embodies how a modern day cricketer should play the game and isn't afraid to take risks in order to win impossible matches.

On the other hand, Pakistan also had a similar batter at the top in Fakhar Zaman, but he was left out of the white-ball team due to the controversy he had with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. However, as they say, demise of one is a blessing for another, and Fakhar's outcast was a blessing for Saim, who cemented his place in white-ball team.

However, the big question arises, is Saim Ayub better than Fakhar Zaman in white-ball cricket? Let's find out.

Saim Ayub Vs Fakhar Zaman: Overall T20I stats

Looking at the T20I stats, Fakhar Zaman clearly has the numbers advantage since he has played more T20Is, but if you look closely, there isn't much to choose from. While Fakhar averages 22.81, Saim has an average of 21.65.

However, the difference maker is the strike-rate of the two players. Fakhar strikes at 132.94, while Saim does the same at 137.95. T20I cricket is all about the strike-rate and in this regards, Saim wins the battle here.

Saim Ayub Vs Fakhar Zaman: away matches T20I stats

In away conditions, there is clear difference in strike-rate between the two players. While Fakhar strikes at 140, Saim Ayub has eclipsed him and he hammers the ball at a strike-rate of 156.

Saim Ayub Vs Fakhar Zaman: Overall ODI stats

Saim certainly has the potential in ODIs as in 7 games, he has an average of 64 and already has 389 runs under his belt. He recently scored a brilliant ton Vs South Africa and has certainly become Pakistan's number 1.

However, in ODIs, there is no bigger match-winner for Pakistan than Fakhar. In 82 matches, he has 3492 runs, and strikes at 93. However, Fakhar is a bigger match winner in ODI cricket and in the last decade, he has had a major impact in their ODI performances.

Saim Ayub Vs Fakhar Zaman: Away ODI stats

Away from home, Fakhar is a beast and has an average of 60. We need to keep in mind that despite playing 30 away matches, he still boasts this much of an average. Plus, he already has 6 centuries and the strike-rate nears 100. Saim, on the other hand has played all his matches away from home, and has slowly and steadily started to climb up.

Conclusion

In T20Is, only due to the higher strike-rate, Saim Ayub beats Fakhar Zaman, however, in the ODIs, despite boasting brilliant numbers, Saim just fails as Fakhar boasts almost the same stats as Saim.

Hence Saim is a better T20I batter and Fakhar is still clear of him in ODIs.

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