He returned with exceptional figures of 5/3.
During the second match of the ongoing three-match ZIM vs PAK T20I series, a new Pakistan wrist-spinner gave a glimpse of his sheer bowling brilliance by registering the best bowling figures in the shortest format for his country.
Playing in only his sixth T20I game, 25-year-old Sufiyan Muqeem returned with career-best figures of 5 for 3 to help dismantle Zimbabwe for a paltry 57 and set the stage for Pakistan’s comfortable series-winning 10-wicket victory in the decisive game at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo earlier today (December 3).
The next best bowling figures by a Pakistan cricketer in the T20Is is held by Umar Gul, who finished with a spell of 5/6 against New Zealand back during the 2009 T20 World Cup.
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Sufiyan Muqeem made an immediate impact and started out by striking twice in his first over. Ryan Burl was dismissed leg before, and Tashinga Mushekiwa was bowled out for a duck. In his following over, he made twin strikes again (Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava) as Zimbabwe’s collapse continued as they were reduced to their lowest T20I total, all out in just 13 overs. Muqeem claimed his fifth wicket when he dismissed Clive Madande, completing a remarkable five-wicket haul.
In reply, Pakistan chased down the modest total with ease. Omair Yousuf took charge, striking Sikandar Raza for boundariesāone over covers and another past short fine legādisrupting the spinner’s rhythm. Saim Ayub, who had already hit a boundary off Richard Ngarava, partnered with Yousuf to take on Blessing Muzarabani in the third over.
After Ayub sent one to the boundary, Yousuf launched a six over the deep point. The pair maintained the pressure, continuing their assault on Trevor Gwandu, and Pakistan comfortably surpassed the target within the powerplay.
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