Pakistan star Saim Ayub, who helped the Green Shirts to a historic whitewash in the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa, is among four nominees for the 2024 Emerging Cricketer of the Year award.
The highly competitive field in the Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year sees four strong contenders vying for the award, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.
England’s Jos Atkinson has enjoyed a memorable start to his Test career, and he is joined on the shortlist by Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayyub, West Indies spinner Shamar Joseph and record-breaking Sri Lanka batsman Kamindu Mendis.
According to cricket’s governing body, the Pakistan left-handed opener has appeared in nine ODIs in 2024 and scored 515 runs at an average of 64.37.
In Ayub, Pakistan found a shiny new southpaw at the top of the batting order, the ICC said. While Ayub has been a consistent feature in all three formats, many of his best performances in 2024 have come in ODIs.
As Pakistan won several away series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa to prepare themselves to defend the ICC Champions Trophy, Ayub bagged an opener.
In South Africa, the two-ton left-hander impressed in all three matches, earning Man of the Series honors with a 3-0 win, South Africa’s first match at home.
Ayub was also impressive in a low-scoring match in Australia, which saw Pakistan edge out the hosts to register their first ODI series victory Down Under in 22 years.
The 22-year-old also provided Pakistan with a useful option with the ball, taking five wickets and boasting an economy rate of 4.63.
An unforgettable performance
Having taken the all-important wicket of South Africa’s Aiden Markram with the ball, Ayub helped orchestrate one of the most impressive victories for Pakistan in the calendar year.
Chasing 240 against a powerful Proteas attack in Paarl, Ayub stood tall as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. With Pakistan reeling at 60/4, Ayub combined alongside Salman Agha (82) in a game-changing stand.
His 109 runs off 119 deliveries – his second-best ODI score – comprising 10 fours and three sixes set Pakistan on course for a dominant series win.