Sufiyan Muqeem in motion for Pakistan in opposition to Zimbabwe© X (Twitter)
Bulawayo :
Pakistan spinner Sufiyan Muqeem joined an unique membership with a magical match-winning spell within the second T20I in opposition to Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Bulawayo. Muqeem’s success was attributed to his distinctive tempo variation, alongside along with his efficient use of high spin and googly, which dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting line-up. In a outstanding 2.4-over spell, he claimed 5 wickets for simply three runs. Along with his gorgeous figures of 5/3, Muqeem etched his identify in historical past, recording the all-time bowling figures for Pakistan in T20I cricket. The left-arm spinner surpassed former pacer Umar Gul’s document of 5/6 in opposition to New Zealand in 2009.
Muqeem grew to become a part of an elite group of bowlers from Full Member nations who’ve taken a five-wicket haul in T20Is whereas conceding fewer than 5 runs. Earlier than him, solely three bowlers–Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, and India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar–achieved this uncommon feat.
Herath achieved the milestone in 2014 with figures of 5/3 in opposition to New Zealand. Rashid adopted along with his spell of 5/3 in opposition to Eire in 2017, and Bhuvneshwar joined the group in 2022 with figures of 5/4 in opposition to Afghanistan.
Muqeem’s heroics ensured Zimbabwe’s lowest complete in T20I history–a mere 57 runs. After successful the toss and opting to bat, Zimbabwe regretted their resolution as Muqeem dominated in his temporary spell.
Though Zimbabwe’s openers managed an honest begin, Abbas Afridi drew first blood by dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani. At 37/1, Zimbabwe collapsed dramatically, shedding their remaining 9 wickets for simply 20 runs.
In response, Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf made fast work of the goal, wrapping up the sport contained in the powerplay and securing a 10-wicket victory for Pakistan, together with an unassailable 2-0 collection lead.
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