Sufiyan Muqeem's Record-Breaking Spell: A Night to Remember

In a stunning performance during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Pakistan's spinner Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a match-winning spell that etched his name in cricket history. Showcasing masterful variations in pace, top spin, and googly, Muqeem dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, finishing with jaw-dropping figures of 5/3 in just 2.4 overs. His feat set a new benchmark, breaking Umar Gul’s long-standing record of 5/6 against New Zealand in 2009, making it the best bowling figures for Pakistan in T20I cricket.

Muqeem’s spell also earned him a place in an elite group of bowlers from Full Member nations who have taken five-wicket hauls in T20Is while conceding fewer than five runs. Before him, this remarkable achievement had been accomplished only by Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath (5/3 against New Zealand in 2014), Afghanistan's Rashid Khan (5/3 against Ireland in 2017), and India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5/4 against Afghanistan in 2022).

Zimbabwe, who won the toss and chose to bat, were left to rue their decision as Muqeem’s brilliance restricted them to their lowest T20I total ever—just 57 runs. Despite a promising start from the openers, Abbas Afridi initiated Zimbabwe's downfall by dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani. From a relatively steady 37/1, Zimbabwe crumbled spectacularly, losing nine wickets for just 20 additional runs.

Chasing the modest target, Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf wasted no time, completing the chase within the powerplay. Their commanding 10-wicket win not only secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead but also highlighted Muqeem's extraordinary contribution, ensuring his spell would be remembered as one of the finest in T20I history.