Sufiyan Muqeem recorded unprecedented bowling figures of 5 wickets for 3 runs during the second T20I against Zimbabwe, ensuring Pakistan’s resounding victory and marking his entry into an elite club of bowlers with outstanding five-wicket hauls in T20 cricket. Zimbabwe’s batting crumbled to their lowest T20I total of 57 runs, ultimately leading to a 10-wicket win for Pakistan.
In an impressive display of bowling prowess, Sufiyan Muqeem made headlines during the second T20I match against Zimbabwe played in Bulawayo on Tuesday. With extraordinary finesse and variation in pace, Muqeem took to the field and executed a breathtaking spell of bowling, resulting in five wickets for only three runs. This achievement not only marked the best bowling figures for Pakistan in T20I history but also placed Muqeem among a select group of bowlers from Full Member nations who have managed to secure a five-wicket haul while conceding fewer than five runs.
During his remarkable 2.4-over spell, Muqeem’s strategic use of top spin and googly effectively dismantled the Zimbabwean batting order, leading to the host nation’s total plummeting to an abysmal 57 runs—their lowest in T20I history. His performance eclipsed the previous record held by pacer Umar Gul, who had achieved figures of 5/6 against New Zealand in 2009. Prior to Muqeem’s outstanding performance, only three bowlers had accomplished this rare feat: Rangana Herath from Sri Lanka, Rashid Khan from Afghanistan, and India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, each contributing significantly to their respective teams with similarly stellar figures.
Zimbabwe’s batting woes began with a reasonably good start; however, their fortunes rapidly waned after losing Tadiwanashe Marumani to Abbas Afridi. At 37/1, the team encountered a catastrophic collapse, losing nine wickets for an alarming total of just 20 runs. In response, Pakistani batsmen Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf swiftly pursued the unimposing target and concluded the match in the powerplay, securing a 10-wicket win and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Muqeem’s extraordinary achievement, alongside the team’s remarkable performance, will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant moment in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
The performance of Sufiyan Muqeem in the second T20I against Zimbabwe illuminates the importance of skill variation and adaptability in bowling. With T20 cricket becoming increasingly competitive, bowlers who can effectively utilize pace and spin are invaluable assets to their teams. This match not only showcased individual brilliance but is also a testament to the strategic planning involved in T20 formats. Muqeem’s record-setting achievement emphasizes the emergence of new talents in the cricketing world and marks a significant milestone for Pakistani cricket.
In conclusion, Sufiyan Muqeem’s stellar performance in the second T20I against Zimbabwe has not only secured him a prestigious spot in cricket history but also highlighted his classification as an exceptional spinner, capable of turning the game in his team’s favor. Pakistan’s decisive victory and Muqeem’s record figures forge a promising outlook for the remainder of the series and for his future endeavors in the sport.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
