Sufiyan’s Five-Wicket Haul Helps Pakistan Win the Series 2-0
In the 2nd T20I in Bulawayo, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets. Pakistan’s outstanding bowling performance restricted Zimbabwe to a very low score, which Pakistan easily chased to not only win the match but also seal the series 2-0.
If you want to watch the highlights of the 1st T20I, click the link below:
https://howzdat.live/zimbabwe-vs-pakistan-2024-1st-t20i-highlights/
Match Highlights
Toss:
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Struggles Hit a New Low
Zimbabwe opted to bat first after winning the toss, starting off positively with their openers playing aggressively to build a solid partnership of 37 runs in just 27 balls. Marumani scored 16 runs before falling to Abbas Afridi, while Bannet contributed 21 runs before being dismissed by Haris Rauf. However, once these two were dismissed, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup completely crumbled under Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack. After being at 37/1, they lost a staggering 9 wickets for just 20 runs, collapsing to a record low T20 score of 57. Only Marumani and Bannet managed to reach double figures in their innings.
Pakistan Bowling Performance
Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was the star of the show, delivering an exceptional performance and claiming his first career five-wicket haul. Abbas Afridi chipped in with two wickets, while Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Salman Agha each took one wicket, sealing Pakistan’s dominance in the match. The disciplined and attacking bowling by Pakistan ensured Zimbabwe had no chance to recover.
Pakistan’s Solid Response in Batting
Chasing a modest target of 57 runs, Pakistan’s openers showcased an authoritative performance, achieving the target comfortably in just 5.3 overs. The team secured an emphatic 10-wicket victory, underlining their dominance in the match. Omair Bin Yousaf played a steady knock, scoring 22* runs off 15 balls, while Saim Ayub delivered an explosive performance with 36* runs off just 18 balls.
The opening duo displayed excellent composure and aggression, ensuring there were no hiccups in chasing the low score. Their brilliant partnership not only sealed the match but also helped Pakistan clinch the series with a commanding 2-0 lead. The openers’ exceptional form was a highlight of this one-sided contest, further cementing Pakistan’s supremacy in the series.
Player of the Match
Pakistani spinner Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a career-best bowling performance, securing his maiden five-wicket haul in a sensational display. He bowled exceptionally well, taking 5 wickets for just 3 runs in 2.3 overs. Sufiyan’s brilliant performance not only dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup but also earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. This outstanding achievement marks a significant milestone in his career and serves as a promising step forward for the young spinner.
Sufiyan Muqeem into the History Books
Sufiyan Muqeem’s incredible bowling performance, taking five wickets while giving away very few runs, has earned him a place in the history books as a standout Pakistani bowler. Before this, the record was held by Rangana Herath and Rashid Khan.
Below are the records for the best five-wicket hauls with the fewest runs conceded.
| Player Name |
|---|
| Rangana Herath(Sri Lanka) |
| Rashid Khan(Afghanistan) |
| Sufiyan Muqeem(Pakistan) |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar(India) |
| Umar Gul(Pakistan) |
| VS(Year) |
|---|
| New Zealand(2014) |
| Ireland(2017) |
| Zimbabwe(2024) |
| Afghanistan(2022) |
| New Zealand(2009) |
| Figure |
|---|
| 5-3 |
| 5-3 |
| 5-3 |
| 5-4 |
| 5-6 |
Scorecard
Zimbabwe Team
Pakistan Team
| Brian Bannett | 21(14) |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | 16(14) |
| Dion Myers | 3(11) |
| Sikandar Raza(c) | 3(4) |
| Ryan Burl | 1(4) |
| Clive Madande | 9(16) |
| Tashinga Musekiwa | 0(1) |
| Wellington Masakadza | 3(7) |
| Richard Ngarava | 0(2) |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 0(1) |
| Trevor Gwandu | 1*(2) |
| Extras | 0 |
| Total | 57/10 |
| Omair Bin Yousaf | 22*(15) |
| Saim Ayub | 36*(18) |
| Extras | 3(lb1, wd2) |
| Total | 61/0 |
Looking at Pakistan’s overall performance in this series, the spinners have played a key role, especially in recent times. With a new-look team and new captain, the team showed impressive performance. The batting lineup was also strong, with talented players like Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam delivering excellent performances. Currently, Pakistan has a lot of young talent, which brings hope for a bright future.
