Sufiyan Muqeem, a 25-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner from Pakistan, took five wickets for three runs against Zimbabwe, resulting in their lowest T20I score of 57. Muqeem’s remarkable feat unfolded in just 16 balls during the second T20I at Bulawayo, marking his first international five-wicket haul. Pakistan successfully chased down the target without losing wickets, highlighting Muqeem’s potential impact on the team.
Sufiyan Muqeem, Pakistan’s promising left-arm wrist-spinner, made headlines with a remarkable performance against Zimbabwe in the second T20I match at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The 25-year-old claimed an astonishing five-wicket haul for merely three runs, leading to Zimbabwe’s record low T20I score of 57 runs. Muqeem’s exceptional spell consisted of just 16 deliveries, showcasing his ability to intimidate opposing batsmen with precision and spin. It was a historic moment as he achieved his maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket, solidifying his place as a key player for Pakistan.
Muqeem entered the bowling attack during the ninth over and quickly dismantled the Zimbabwean batting lineup, initiating his wicket-taking spree by dismissing Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa in consecutive deliveries. He continued to wreak havoc, claiming additional scalps including Clive Madande and Richard Ngarava, demonstrating a level of skill rare in contemporary cricket. This performance came after Muqeem had debuted in T20Is during the 2023 Asian Games against Hong Kong, and following a less impactful series against Australia. His trajectory is rapidly ascending, particularly marked by his success during the ongoing series in Zimbabwe.
Despite being fast-tracked into the national team with minimal domestic experience, including five matches in the PSL with a total of four wickets, Muqeem’s performance is garnering attention. He has yet to make his first-class debut, but his recent achievements could pave the way for further opportunities. Zimbabwe’s batting collapse occurred after their captain, Sikandar Raza, opted to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that ultimately backfired in this encounter. Only Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani reached double digits, with the remaining players struggling against Muqeem’s exceptional bowling.
In response, Pakistan chased down the modest total effortlessly, achieving it in merely 5.3 overs. Saim Ayub led the charge with an explosive 38 runs off 18 deliveries, supported by Omair Yousuf’s steady 22 runs. This match epitomizes Muqeem’s potential impact on the Pakistan cricket team and highlights the strengths of his bowling prowess, suggesting a promising future ahead for the young spinner.
Sufiyan Muqeem is emerging as a significant figure in Pakistani cricket, known for his rare left-arm wrist-spin bowling style. His standout performance during the second T20I against Zimbabwe not only showcased his talent but also marked a milestone in his professional career. With international cricket experiencing a shift towards skillful spin bowlers, Muqeem’s ability to secure a five-wicket haul from limited opportunities emphasizes his potential within the national squad and the larger context of competitive cricket.
In summary, Sufiyan Muqeem’s incredible five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe serves as a testament to his potential and skill as a left-arm wrist-spinner within the Pakistan cricket team. His remarkable performance, leading to Zimbabwe’s lowest T20I score, highlights his rapid rise in international cricket and suggests a bright future pending greater domestic experience. As the cricketing world continues to observe his development, Muqeem’s contributions may well redefine the role of spin bowlers in the team.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
