Wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem etched his name in Pakistan’s cricketing history with a phenomenal five-wicket haul in the second T20I of the series against Zimbabwe.

Sufiyan Muqeem sets a new T20I record for Pakistan

Muqeem’s figures of 3.4-0-4-5 set a new record for the best bowling performance by a Pakistani in T20 internationals, surpassing Umar Gul‘s iconic 3-0-6-5 against New Zealand in 2009 at The Oval.

Zimbabwe, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, endured a catastrophic batting collapse, being bundled out for their lowest T20I total of 57 in just 12.4 overs. Muqeem, weaving his magic with a deadly combination of googlies and sharp turn, was the architect of Zimbabwe’s demise.

Muqeem’s record-breaking spell

• 8.4 Over: Sufiyan trapped Ryan Burl lbw with a beautifully flighted googly. The batter misjudged the turn, leaving the hosts in tatters at 40-5.
• 8.5 Over: Muqeem struck again on the very next delivery, clean bowling Tashinga Musekiwa with another unplayable googly to be on a hat-trick. Zimbabwe’s hopes dwindled further.
• 10.4 Over: Wesley Masakadza became Muqeem’s third victim, nicking a sharply turning delivery to slip where Salman Agha took a neat catch.
• 10.6 Over: A skidding delivery on middle and leg bowled Richard Ngarava, reducing Zimbabwe to 50-8.
• 12.4 Over: Muqeem sealed the innings in style, dismissing Clive Madande with a top-edge catch to Salman Ali Agha at slip, completing his maiden five-wicket haul.

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Match Summary

Zimbabwe’s paltry total of 57 was a testament to Pakistan’s clinical bowling attack, led by the young Muqeem. His remarkable spell was backed by disciplined performances from the other bowlers, with none allowing Zimbabwe’s batters any breathing room.

Chasing 58 for victory, Pakistan reached the finish line in just 5.3 overs with all 10 wickets remaining.

An easy win for Pakistan: https://t.co/8NM3EcrUWE#cricket #ZIMvPAK #T20I pic.twitter.com/3GV0ZgHn5a

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 3, 2024

Pakistan now holds an unassailable lead in the series and will look to wrap it up with a clean sweep in the final match. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will need to dig deep to salvage some pride after back-to-back batting debacles.

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