Young Pakistani spinner Sufiyan Muqeem etched his name in cricket history with an extraordinary performance during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on December 3, 2024. The 25-year-old delivered a career-best spell of 5 wickets for just 3 runs in 2.4 overs, breaking Pakistan’s all-time T20I bowling record.
Breaking Records: Sufiyan Joins Elite Club
With his remarkable spell, Muqeem became the fourth bowler from a full-member nation to achieve a five-wicket haul while conceding fewer than five runs.
Elite Performances in T20I History
| Player | Country | Figures | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rangana Herath | Sri Lanka | 5/3 | New Zealand | Chattogram | March 31, 2014 |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 5/3 | Ireland | Greater Noida | March 10, 2017 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | India | 5/4 | Afghanistan | Dubai | September 8, 2022 |
| Sufiyan Muqeem | Pakistan | 5/3 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | December 3, 2024 |
Muqeem’s spell surpassed the previous best by Umar Gul (5/6 against New Zealand in 2009) to register Pakistan’s best-ever T20I bowling figures.
How Muqeem Dismantled Zimbabwe
Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe started strong with a 37-run opening stand. However, their innings fell apart after Afridi’s breakthrough in the fifth over. Enter Muqeem, who dismantled the middle and lower order:
- Ryan Burl (LBW) and Tashinga Mushekiwa (Bowled) in his first over.
- Wellington Masakadza (Caught), Richard Ngarava (Bowled), and Clive Madande (Caught) in successive deliveries.
Zimbabwe posted their lowest-ever T20I total of just 57 runs.
Pakistan’s Dominant Chase
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub (36*) and Omair Yousuf (22*), sealed the deal in just 5.3 overs without losing a wicket.
Brief Scores:
| Team | Score | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 57 all out (12.4) | Brian Bennett (21), Muqeem (5/3) |
| Pakistan | 61/0 (5.3) | Saim Ayub (36*), Omair Yousuf (22*) |
A Bright Future for Muqeem
Despite limited domestic and PSL experience, Muqeem’s stellar performance signals his potential as a key player for Pakistan. After debuting in the 2023 Asian Games, this record-breaking fifer may secure him a permanent spot in the squad and open doors to franchise cricket worldwide.
Conclusion
Sufiyan Muqeem’s 5/3 against Zimbabwe not only set a new benchmark for Pakistan cricket but also placed him in the pantheon of elite T20I bowlers. His performance reinforces Pakistan’s bowling dominance and gives fans a glimpse of a rising star ready to shine on the world stage.
