Sufiyan Muqeem records best figures by a Pakistani bowler in T20Is as Zimbabwe get bowled out for their lowest total in PAK vs ZIM 2024 2nd T20I
Pakistan's spinner Sufiyan Muqeem claimed a five-wicket haul, setting a record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler in T20Is, as Zimbabwe were dismissed for their lowest-ever total in T20I cricket. This remarkable feat occurred during the second match of the three-game T20I series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on Tuesday, December 3, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first. The opening partnership between Brian Bennett (21) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (16) contributed 37 runs for the first wicket. However, things quickly unraveled for the hosts, who collapsed from 37 for no loss to 44 for four.
Sufiyan Muqeem was introduced into the attack in the ninth over, making an immediate impact by dismissing Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa. In his next over, the spinner dismissed Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava, before taking the final wicket of Clive Madande to complete a stunning five-wicket haul.
Muqeem finished with sensational figures of 5 for 3 from 2.4 overs, setting a new record for the best bowling performance by a Pakistani in T20Is, surpassing Umar Gul’s 5 for 6 against New Zealand in 2009. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe were bowled out for a mere 57 runs in 12.4 overs, marking their lowest total in T20I history.
Pakistan complete a dominant win by 10 wickets
In response, Pakistani openers Omair Yousuf and Saim Ayub came out aggressively. Yousuf remained unbeaten on 22 off 15 balls, while Ayub finished with 36* off 18 balls, leading Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory with 87 balls to spare— their largest win in terms of balls remaining.
The visitors have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, having already won the first game. Defending a target of 166, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem each took three wickets, helping Pakistan secure a 57-run victory.
Meanwhile, the final match of the series is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, in Bulawayo.