Saim Ayub finds redemption in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

WEB DESK: After a dismal Asia Cup campaign that saw him record four ducks, including a rare hat-trick of zeroes, Saim Ayub has finally shown signs of life with the bat, making a strong statement in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

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Playing for Karachi Region Blues at the Marghzar Ground in Islamabad, Saim scored a confident 63 off 89 balls in the first innings against Faisalabad Region, lacing his knock with 11 boundaries. The innings comes as a much-needed boost for the 23-year-old left-hander, who has been under intense scrutiny for his poor run of form at the international level.

In the 2025 Asia Cup, Ayub endured a nightmare, registering ducks against Oman, India, and UAE, before falling for another zero in the Super Four clash against Bangladesh, becoming the first player to record four ducks in a single Asia Cup. With two more zeros earlier in the year, he now holds an unfortunate record of six ducks in 2025.

But the domestic stage seems to be offering Saim a path to redemption.

His performance against Faisalabad may not be a century, but it’s a solid foundation and a clear shift in form and, perhaps more importantly, in confidence.

As the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy gathers pace with fierce competition among 18 regional sides, from Lahore Blues to Peshawar Region, Quetta, and beyond, Saim’s return to runs could put him back in contention for national selection ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming international fixtures.

While one innings doesn’t erase the horrors of the Asia Cup, for Saim Ayub, it’s a welcome return to doing what he does best: scoring runs.

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And for fans and selectors alike, it might just be the sign they’ve been waiting for.

QUAID-E-AZAM TROPHY 2025-26 TEAMS

Abbottabad Region, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Region, Bahawalpur Region, Dera Murad Jamali Region, Faisalabad Region, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Blues, Lahore Region Whites, Larkana Region, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, Quetta Region, Rawalpindi Region, and Sialkot Region.