Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem Sets Record with 5/3 in Pakistan’s T20I Triumph
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I at Bulawayo:
Pakistan’s left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a breathtaking performance in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, setting a new benchmark in Pakistan cricket. His scintillating spell of 2.4 overs yielded five wickets for just three runs, as Zimbabwe collapsed to their lowest T20I total of 57.
Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem Leads Pakistan to Historic Win
The game, held in Bulawayo, saw Sufiyan’s magic turn the tide after a promising 37-run opening stand by Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett (21) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (16). Pakistan achieved the target in just 33 balls without losing a wicket, making it their largest victory in terms of balls remaining (87) in T20Is against a Test-playing nation.
A Stellar Spell by Sufiyan Muqeem
Sufiyan Muqeem, a 25-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner, was simply unplayable. Introduced in the ninth over, he wreaked havoc by dismissing five batters in the span of just 13 deliveries. His performance not only cemented his place as a key bowler for Pakistan but also broke records:
- Best Bowling Figures for Pakistan in T20Is
- Third Pakistani bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in T20Is, joining Umar Gul and Imad Wasim
Pakistan’s Clinical Chase
Openers Saim Ayub (36* off 18) and Omair Yousuf (22* off 15) made light work of the modest target, smashing boundaries with ease. Their unbeaten partnership ensured Pakistan reached 58/0 in just 5.3 overs.
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Sufiyan Muqeem | 5 wickets for 3 runs (2.4 overs) |
| Mohammad Abbas Afridi | 2 wickets for 2 runs (2 overs) |
| Saim Ayub | 36* (18 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) |
| Omair Yousuf | 22* (15 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) |
Zimbabwe’s Lowest T20I Total
Zimbabwe’s total of 57 was their lowest in T20I history and the fourth-lowest ever by a Test-playing nation. After a solid start, the middle-order collapse exposed their struggles against quality spin and pace.
