Sufiyan Muqeem led Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe with 5 wickets for 3 runs. Zimbabwe collapsed to 57, their lowest T20I total, while Pakistan chased down the target easily at 61 without loss, sealing the series and marking a significant record in T20I history.
In a stunning performance, Sufiyan Muqeem starred for Pakistan, claiming remarkable figures of 5 wickets for just 3 runs, guiding the team to a dominant 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed dramatically, losing all ten wickets for a meager total of 57, marking their lowest score in T20I history. In response, Pakistan achieved the target comfortably, finishing at 61 for no loss with 87 balls still remaining, further solidifying their dominance in the series.
Zimbabwe started their innings positively, with openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani demonstrating aggressive intent. They reached 37 without loss before a sudden collapse ensued, triggered by Abbas Afridi’s breakthrough. The fall of wickets came in quick succession, and despite a promising start, Zimbabwe could not recover, falling victim to Muqeem’s exceptional spin bowling. His five wickets dispersed swiftly, dismantling the Zimbabwean batting order in just 2.4 overs.
Pakistan’s batting, in contrast, was seamless. Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf opened the innings with confidence, quickly accumulating runs to ensure a straightforward chase. Ayub’s aggressive stroke play, including a six off Trevor Gwandu, showcased his exceptional form throughout the series. The victory saw Pakistan not only securing the T20I series but also registering the largest margin of victory by balls remaining in men’s T20I cricket between Full Members. This match served as a testament to both the skill of Pakistan’s bowlers and the struggles of Zimbabwe’s batting unit during the series.
The match highlighted the stark contrast in performance between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in the T20I series. Pakistan’s bowling, led by Muqeem, proved to be highly effective, as evidenced by Zimbabwe’s record low score. This performance elevated Muqeem’s status within the T20 format, showcasing the effectiveness of wrist spin in limited-overs cricket. Additionally, the ease with which Pakistan chased down the target emphasized their dominance, suggesting a significant gulf in quality between the two teams in this format.
In conclusion, Sufiyan Muqeem’s extraordinary bowling performance was central to Pakistan’s comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe. The match underscored the struggles of the Zimbabwean side, particularly in their batting approach, while also highlighting Pakistan’s efficient and confident batting display. This encounter not only secured the series for Pakistan but also marked a significant moment in T20I history, accentuating the critical role of effective spin bowling in cricket.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
