December 3, 2024

Muqeem’s 5 for 3 Sends Zimbabwe to Record Low

Pakistan’s Left-Arm Wristspinner Leads to Historic Win as Zimbabwe Collapse for 57 to Lose Series

Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a brilliant performance in Bulawayo, recording the best-ever T20I figures by a Pakistan bowler and guiding his team to a dominant ten-wicket victory over Zimbabwe to clinch the T20I series. Zimbabwe’s batting crumbled spectacularly, losing all ten wickets for just 20 runs and being bowled out for a record-low 57. In response, Pakistan easily chased the target, reaching it in just 14.3 overs, achieving the biggest victory by balls remaining between two Full Members in men’s T20I cricket.

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Zimbabwe’s Strong Start Ends in Collapse

In hindsight, it’s hard to believe, but Zimbabwe started with a bang. Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani attacked Jahandad Khan and Abrar Ahmed with excellent timing and power, finding gaps and driving the ball through the infield on what appeared to be an ideal batting pitch. When Sikandar Raza won the toss, he confidently chose to bat first, and the early signs were promising. Even Haris Rauf’s introduction couldn’t halt their momentum, as Bennett showcased his finesse, collecting two boundaries behind point on the off side. By the end of the fourth over, Zimbabwe were comfortably placed at 37 without loss.

However, what followed was a dramatic and humiliating collapse for Zimbabwe. Abbas Afridi struck first, having Marumani caught at cover-point, and after that wicket-maiden, Rauf dismissed Bennett off the very first ball of the next over. Zimbabwe were now under pressure and needed to rebuild, but any hope of a comeback evaporated quickly. Just seven balls later, Afridi delivered a ball that cut back in and shattered Raza’s stumps, delivering a critical blow to Zimbabwe’s innings.

When Salman Agha came into the attack, he quickly made an impact, dismissing Dion Myers plumb in front on just his fourth delivery. From there, Sufiyan Muqeem took control, using a mix of conventional wristspin and the wrong’un to dominate Zimbabwe’s lower-middle order. Ryan Burl was deceived by a googly that trapped him in front of middle stump, while Tashinga Musekiwa was undone by another wrong’un, losing his stumps for a golden duck. Clive Madande managed to survive the hat-trick ball, but Muqeem struck again in his next over, claiming two more wickets. He wrapped up the innings when Madande top-edged a delivery, finishing with sensational figures of 2.4-0-3-5.

Pakistan Makes Light Work of Easy Chase

Pakistan’s chase was straightforward, and the openers made it look easy. Raza bowled the first over, but Omair Yousuf set the tone with 11 runs off it. Saim Ayub quickly joined in, executing a beautiful late cut that sailed over the slips for a boundary. Blessing Muzarabani, who had a tough series, was targeted by both Ayub and Yousuf, with Yousuf confidently slicing him over deep point for a six.

Ayub was determined not to be outdone and showcased his signature shot: a powerful whip off Trevor Gwandu’s pads behind square leg for six. Muzarabani’s inconsistent line allowed Ayub to score two more boundaries, sealing the win for Pakistan. The ease of Pakistan’s victory highlighted Zimbabwe’s struggles, and by the time the openers removed their helmets and shook hands on a scorching day in Bulawayo, there was barely a bead of sweat on their foreheads.

Renshaw’s Stylish Century Powers Queensland to Victory

Matt Renshaw delivered a masterful century to lead Queensland to a 56-run victory over Tasmania in the One-Day Cup. His player-of-the-match innings of 122 off 99 balls, batting at No. 4 in Hobart, was his fourth century in domestic one-day cricket and showcased his ability to thrive when playing with freedom.

Renshaw’s commanding partnership of 154 with Jack Clayton bolstered Queensland to 319 for 6, before rain interrupted play after 46.3 overs. Tasmania, chasing a revised target of 338 from 46 overs, were bowled out for 281. Queensland captain Mitchell Swepson added to the pressure with his well-flighted legspin, even as Jake Weatherald and Matthew Wade fought valiantly.

Renshaw credited his recent success, including a century in the Sheffield Shield against the same opponents, to maintaining “intent.” He proved just how impactful he can be as a white-ball cricketer, reinforcing his case to Australian selectors with an impressive display.

Renshaw’s innings featured a powerful flick over the mid-on fence off medium pacer Bradley Hope, followed by a textbook cover drive to the boundary that brought up his half-century. Queensland’s innings got an early boost from captain Jimmy Peirson and debutant Angus Lovell. Tasmania’s Matthew Kuhnemann stood out as the most effective bowler, impressively maintaining pressure and making crucial diving stops in the field to prevent boundaries.

Mitchell Swepson delivered one of his best spells for Queensland, showcasing his flight, variation, and cunning, reducing Tasmania to a precarious 207 for 8. At that point, Queensland’s focus shifted to restricting Tasmania to less than 271 for a bonus point. However, Kuhnemann and Tom Rogers mounted a strong resistance, putting on a 67-run partnership for the ninth wicket and denying Queensland their goal.

Read More: Urvil Patel’s Century and Sixes Shine, But Shreyas’ Hat-Trick Isn’t Enough