Sufiyan Muqeem’s Record-Breaking Spell Powers Pakistan to Historic Win Over Zimbabwe in T20I Series
Pakistan Crush Zimbabwe by Ten Wickets as Sufiyan Muqeem Registers Record-Breaking Figures
In a dominant display, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by ten wickets in the second T20I in Bulawayo, sealing the series in style. The match was highlighted by Sufiyan Muqeem’s record-breaking spell of 5 for 3, the best-ever figures by a Pakistan bowler in T20Is, as Zimbabwe were bundled out for their lowest T20I total of 57. Pakistan chased the target with ease, wrapping up the game with 14.3 overs to spare — the biggest win by balls remaining in men’s T20I cricket between two Full Members.
Zimbabwe’s Promising Start Ends in a Dramatic Collapse
Zimbabwe began the match on a high note after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani looked in fine touch, smashing boundaries against Pakistan’s bowlers. By the end of the fourth over, Zimbabwe were 37 for no loss, appearing to be on course for a competitive total.
However, the momentum shifted when Abbas Afridi dismissed Marumani, and Haris Rauf removed Bennett off the first ball of the following over. Sikandar Raza’s dismissal by Afridi’s sharp inswinger was the turning point, as Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order crumbled under the relentless attack from Pakistan’s bowlers.
Sufiyan Muqeem’s Magical Spell
Sufiyan Muqeem, the standout performer of the day, dismantled Zimbabwe’s lineup with his exceptional wrist spin. Using a mix of conventional leg breaks and deceptive googlies, he ran through the opposition’s batting order.
Key highlights of Muqeem’s spell:
- Figures of 2.4 overs, 3 runs, 5 wickets — the best for Pakistan in T20Is.
- Key dismissals included Ryan Burl (lbw), Tashinga Musekiwa (bowled), and Clive Madande (top-edged).
Muqeem’s brilliance, supported by Afridi’s 2 for 2, saw Zimbabwe lose all ten wickets for just 20 runs after their strong start.
A Comfortable Chase for Pakistan
Chasing 58 was a formality for Pakistan’s openers, Omair Yousuf and Saim Ayub.
- Omair set the tone by smashing 11 runs off Sikandar Raza’s first over.
- Saim Ayub impressed with elegant strokes, including a six over slips and a whip off his pads for another maximum.
The pair reached the target without any trouble, maintaining an unbeaten opening partnership of 61.
Records and Milestones
- Sufiyan Muqeem’s Five-Wicket Haul: The best T20I bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler.
- Zimbabwe’s Lowest Total: 57, their worst performance in T20I cricket.
- Biggest Win by Balls Remaining: Pakistan chased the target with 87 balls to spare, the largest margin between two Full Members in men’s T20Is.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s dominant performance underlines their depth in bowling and adaptability to conditions. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will need to address their fragile middle order ahead of future matches.
