‌SA vs PAK | Twitter feels for Saim Ayub’s unfortunate start to New Year with twisted ankle setback

ByArijit Kundu, SportsCafe Editor

Last Friday at 3:03 PM

A New Year leads to new beginnings and positive resolutions. However, Pakistan young gun Saim Ayub didn’t quite have a rosy start to the week after incurring an on-field injury, compelling him to trudge off the field in pain in the second Test match between South Africa and Pakistan.

Aiden Markram, the South African captain won the toss in the second match of the ensuing two-match series against Pakistan and elected to make the most out of the first innings batting conditions. Following a careful start to the innings, they intended to capitalise on the looseners before an on-field injury in the opposition paused the play for a while.

Having secured 27 runs in six overs, Ryan Rickelton drove a length delivery outside the stumps through the corridor between gully and slip for three. Aamer Jamal and Ayub chased the ball but the latter ended up slipping his right ankle in the process. Subsequently, he summoned the physio for treatment and looked grimacing in pain. The agony was clearly written across his face as the youngster lay down and was taken out of the field immediately. The fact that the new year didn’t start off well for Ayub, the Twitterverse empathized.

Horrible

pic.twitter.com/1PI7xDpAPv
— DJ Sinha (@sdj374531) January 3, 2025

Taken off

Saim Ayub was taken off the field on a vehicle.

- Things are not looking good, his ankle might have been twisted or so. Really hope that he will be fine. He is a massive asset of Pakistan.

#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/Sbc8OcxdzF
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) January 3, 2025

Not good

Not a good sign for Pakistan. Their most important all-format batter Saim Ayub is being taken off on a wheelchair after hurting himself in a fielding effort. Hope he recovers soon.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) January 3, 2025

Very unfortunate

Not looking good for Saim Ayub. Very unfortunate.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 3, 2025

Huge blow

A huge blow for Pakistan as Saim Ayub goes off the field in pain after hurting his right leg in the field.#SAvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/HMRF4qcVEV
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) January 3, 2025

Always there

Babar will always be there for Saim Ayub. pic.twitter.com/iELWfW3EuA
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) January 3, 2025

Looks bad

Saim Ayub taken off the field on wheelchair 🥺

Get well soon Saim !! 😞#PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/IN2ywEr9Jx
— H A M Z A 🇵🇰 (@HamzaKhan259) January 3, 2025

Oh no!

Oh no! It's saim ayub 😕 pic.twitter.com/dNKtFPQEXc
— Ahmed.. 🇵🇰🇵🇸 (@nwgenerationX) January 3, 2025

Ayub replaced

Saim Ayub has hurt his right ankle in the first hour of the test match. He looked in serious discomfort and was escorted off the field by fellow teammates and medical staff.

Abdullah Shafique will field in his place while he is away for scans.#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/Qyo6hBlmPp
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) January 3, 2025

Prayers