Sufiyan Muqeem, a 25-year-old left-arm wrist-spin bowler from Pakistan, achieved a remarkable five-wicket haul in a T20I match against Zimbabwe, contributing to their historic low score of 57 runs. His impactful debut and subsequent performances signal a promising career ahead, even with limited domestic experience.
Sufiyan Muqeem, a promising young left-arm wrist-spin bowler from Pakistan, recently showcased his talent in an extraordinary performance against Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. At just 25 years of age, Muqeem achieved a remarkable bowling feat by claiming five wickets for only three runs, sending the Zimbabwean team crashing to their lowest-ever T20I total of 57 runs. This victory was achieved in just 12.4 overs, highlighting the dominant performance from Muqeem and the entire Pakistani bowling unit.
Muqeem entered the attack as the sixth bowler during the ninth over and quickly made an impact, dismissing Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa with consecutive deliveries. He continued this momentum by also taking the wickets of Clive Madande and Richard Ngarava, completing his maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket. Remarkably, he achieved this remarkable feat by bowling just 16 balls.
Prior to this match, Muqeem had made his T20I debut earlier in the year during the 2023 Asian Games against Hong Kong. Following a less impressive outing against Australia, he found his form on the Zimbabwe tour, where he had already taken three wickets in the first match of the series before following up with this historic five-wicket haul. Despite limited domestic cricket experience, having played only five matches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and still awaiting his first-class debut, his exceptional performances may very well lead to greater opportunities within the national team.
The emergence of Sufiyan Muqeem as a left-arm wrist-spin bowler in the Pakistan cricket team is notable, especially given his recent impressive performance against Zimbabwe. His rise has come at a time when the Pakistani team is undergoing changes, with several new players being incorporated. His early career includes participation in domestic leagues and T20I matches, marking the beginning of what could be a promising international career. The historical context of Zimbabwe’s low score adds significance to Muqeem’s performance, emphasizing the impact young players can have in high-pressure situations.
In summary, Sufiyan Muqeem’s outstanding performance against Zimbabwe has firmly established him as a player to watch in international cricket. His five-wicket haul for only three runs is a rare achievement that not only led to a historic low score for Zimbabwe but also demonstrated the potential of emerging talent within the Pakistan cricket setup. With continued success, he could soon become a regular fixture in the team, contributing significantly to their bowling attack.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
