Sufiyan Muqeem achieved remarkable bowling figures of 5/3 in the T20I against Zimbabwe, marking the best in Pakistan’s T20I history. His performance helped reduce Zimbabwe to a total of 57 runs, securing a 10-wicket victory for Pakistan and a 2-0 series lead.
In a remarkable display of talent, Pakistan’s spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has etched his name into cricket history by joining an exclusive club following his extraordinary performance in the second T20 International against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Muqeem’s mastery of pace variation, along with effective utilization of top spin and googly deliveries, resulted in a devastating bowling performance where he claimed five wickets for only three runs across 2.4 overs. His phenomenal figures of 5/3 marked a historical moment, as they constituted the best bowling figures ever recorded by a Pakistani bowler in T20Is, surpassing the previous record of 5/6 established by Umar Gul against New Zealand in 2009.
Muqeem’s exceptional achievement has placed him among an elite group of bowlers from Full Member nations who have taken a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals while conceding fewer than five runs. Before his appearance, only three bowlers had achieved this rare feat: Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath, who accomplished it in 2014 with figures of 5/3 against New Zealand; Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan with 5/3 against Ireland in 2017; and India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who recorded 5/4 against Afghanistan in 2022.
Muqeem’s bowling prowess played a crucial role in leading Zimbabwe to their lowest total in T20I history, which amounted to a mere 57 runs. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Zimbabwe quickly found themselves in trouble as Muqeem dismantled their batting order following a reasonable start from their openers. Abbas Afridi initiated the collapse by taking the first wicket at a score of 37/1, leading to a shocking downfall wherein Zimbabwe lost their remaining nine wickets for a mere 20 runs. In the chase, Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf efficiently wrapped up the innings during the powerplay, securing a 10-wicket victory for Pakistan and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The performance of Sufiyan Muqeem is significant not only for the individual achievement it represents but also for its historical context within T20 cricket. Achieving a five-wicket haul while conceding fewer than five runs is a rare milestone that highlights a bowler’s exceptional skill, making Muqeem’s performance a noteworthy event in cricketing history. This match also reflects the broader trends in international cricket, where bowlers increasingly dominate formats like T20, showcasing their strategic variations and adaptability.
In summary, Sufiyan Muqeem’s outstanding performance against Zimbabwe has established him as a pivotal figure in T20 cricket, showcasing extraordinary bowling capabilities that led to historical record-breaking. His remarkable figures not only earned him a place in an elite group of bowlers but also ensured Pakistan’s dominance in the match and the series. This match will be remembered as a landmark event in both his career and Pakistan’s cricketing history.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
