Sufiyan's 5 for 3 helps Pakistan seal Zimbabwe T20I series with big win

A sensational performance by wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who claimed a record-breaking five-wicket haul, powered Pakistan to a commanding 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Bulawayo, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

After electing to bat, Zimbabwe started brightly, amassing 37 runs without loss in the first four overs. However, their momentum was disrupted when Abbas Afridi dismissed opener Tadiwanashe Marumani for 16. Haris Rauf struck in the following over, removing Brian Bennett for 21.

From that point on, it was all about Sufiyan Muqeem. The young wrist-spinner dismantled Zimbabwe's middle and lower order, finishing with exceptional figures of 2.4 overs, three runs, and five wickets—breaking Umar Gul's long-standing record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistani in men's T20Is. Gul had previously claimed 5/6 against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe endured a historic batting collapse, losing all 10 wickets for just 20 runs in 40 minutes. Their total of 57 in 12.4 overs was their lowest ever in T20Is, surpassing their previous record low of 82 against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Apart from the openers, Clive Madande (9) was the only batter to score more than three runs, highlighting the hosts' struggles against Pakistan's disciplined bowling.

Chasing a modest target of 58, Pakistan openers Saim Ayub and Omair Bin Yousuf made quick work of the task. Ayub's explosive 36 off 18 balls and Yousuf's 22 off 15 balls saw Pakistan achieve the target in just 5.3 overs, underlining their dominance.