Sufiyan Muqeem Shines with Record Bowling Figures in T20I Against Zimbabwe
Sufiyan Muqeem achieved a historic milestone in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, claiming five wickets for only three runs. This performance earned him the best bowling figures for Pakistan in T20I cricket, surpassing Umar Gul. Muqeem joins an exclusive club of bowlers with five-wicket hauls while conceding fewer than five runs, helping Pakistan secure a 10-wicket victory and a 2-0 series lead.
On Tuesday, Sufiyan Muqeem made an indelible mark on T20I cricket as he delivered an extraordinary match-winning performance during the second T20I against Zimbabwe, held in Bulawayo. His phenomenal bowling display incorporated exceptional pace variations, top spin, and googly deliveries that systematically dismantled the Zimbabwean batting order. In a mere 2.4 overs, Muqeem captured five wickets and conceded only three runs, culminating in an extraordinary bowling figure of 5/3. This remarkable achievement not only secured Pakistan’s dominance in the match but also established Muqeem as the holder of the best bowling figures for a Pakistani in T20I cricket, surpassing the previous record held by Umar Gul, who had taken 5/6 against New Zealand in 2009.
Muqeem’s exceptional spell placed him alongside an elite cadre of bowlers from Full Member nations who have achieved the honor of a five-wicket haul while conceding fewer than five runs. Prior to his record, only three bowlers had accomplished this feat: Rangana Herath of Sri Lanka in 2014, Rashid Khan of Afghanistan in 2017, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar of India in 2022. With this performance, Muqeem has firmly established himself in this exclusive club of elite bowlers.
Zimbabwe experienced their lowest team total in T20I history, finishing at a mere 57 runs. The hosts’ decision to bat first proved detrimental, as they quickly succumbed to Muqeem’s extraordinary spell. Although Zimbabwe’s openers managed a brief successful partnership, the team crumbled dramatically thereafter, losing nine wickets for just 20 runs. In response, the Pakistani batsmen efficiently chased down the target, as Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf expedited the victory in the powerplay, securing a 10-wicket win and an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series.
This article discusses Sufiyan Muqeem’s historic achievement during a T20I match against Zimbabwe, where he delivered a record-breaking bowling performance. T20I cricket has seen various exceptional players, but Muqeem’s figures of 5/3 are particularly significant as they not only highlight his skill but also his ability to perform under pressure. The context of the match underscores the impact of strategic decisions in cricket, particularly regarding team selection and batting orders. This match also marks a notable point in Pakistan’s cricket history, showcasing the prowess of their bowling attack.
In conclusion, Sufiyan Muqeem’s phenomenal bowling performance during the T20I against Zimbabwe has not only etched his name in the annals of cricket history but also brought recognition to Pakistani cricket. His remarkable achievement of taking five wickets for just three runs has placed him in an elite group of bowlers known for exceptional feats in T20I cricket. The match ended with Zimbabwe suffering a historic low total, underscoring the effectiveness of Muqeem’s bowling and the overall strength of the Pakistani team, who now hold a commanding series lead.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
