Sufiyan Muqeem (AP Photo)

Pakistan’s wrist spinner, Sufiyan Muqeem, led his team to a resounding 10-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Bulawayo, securing the series win. The match took place on Tuesday.
Muqeem’s exceptional spell of bowling saw him claim five wickets for just three runs in his four overs. Zimbabwe’s innings rapidly unravelled as they were bowled out for a mere 57 runs in 12.4 overs. They had initially started promisingly.
The 25-year-old’s remarkable figures are now the best ever recorded by a Pakistan bowler in T20I cricket. He surpassed Umar Gul‘s previous record of 5 wickets for 6 runs. Gul achieved this feat twice, against New Zealand and South Africa.
This five-wicket haul is Muqeem’s first in T20Is, placing him in an exclusive group of Pakistani bowlers alongside Umar Gul and Imad Wasim.
Pakistan comfortably chased down the target in just 33 balls, reaching 61 without losing any wickets. Openers Saim Ayub (36) and Omair Yousuf (22) made light work of the chase. This victory followed their 57-run win in the first T20I on Sunday.
Zimbabwe’s opening batsmen, Brian Bennett (21) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (16), provided a solid start, putting on 37 runs for the first wicket in four overs. They were the only Zimbabwean batsmen to reach double figures.
The dismissal of both openers within five balls triggered a dramatic collapse, with Zimbabwe losing their remaining wickets for only 20 runs. Muqeem’s devastating spell was the primary cause of this collapse.
Marumani was caught by Tayyab Tahir at cover point, while Bennett was dismissed by Irfan Khan at deep square leg at Queens Sports Club.
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s experienced all-rounder and often their key batsman, was dismissed for only three runs. Abbas Afridi bowled him, uprooting his off stump.
Raza was one of the four Zimbabwean bowlers who struggled to contain Pakistan’s opening batsmen, Ayub and Yousuf. The Pakistani openers struck ten boundaries, including a six each, during their short but effective partnership.
Ayub’s boundary past backward point sealed the comprehensive victory for Pakistan.
The third and final T20I between Pakistan and Zimbabwe is scheduled for Thursday. Following this series, Pakistan will embark on an eight-match tour of South Africa. The tour will include matches across all formats, featuring two Test matches.