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Sufiyan Muqeem has emerged as a remarkable talent in the world of cricket, particularly known for his exceptional performance as a left-arm wrist spinner. His recent achievement of registering the best bowling figures for Pakistan in T20Is has catapulted him into the spotlight, marking him as a player to watch in the coming years.
Early life of Sufiyan Muqeem
Born on November 15, 1999, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Muqeem has quickly made a name for himself in international cricket. Known for his unique bowling style, Muqeem is a left-arm wrist spinner, a rarity in modern cricket. This style not only adds variety to his team’s bowling attack but also poses significant challenges for batters who are less accustomed to facing wrist spinners.
Muqeem’s journey began in the domestic circuit, where he played for teams like Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Dolphins in domestic competitions. His performances and different style of bowling at the domestic level laid the groundwork for his selection into the national team.
Memorable debut for Muqeen
Muqeem made his T20I debut for Pakistan against Hong Kong during the 2023 Asian Games on October 3, 2023, where he showcased his potential by taking 2 wickets for 11 runs in a four-over spell. This performance marked the beginning of his international career, highlighting his skills as a left-arm wrist spinner in a tournament that provided an opportunity for emerging players to shine on a significant stage.
A PSL find
Muqeem’s stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a crucial part of his early career, providing him with valuable experience in high-pressure matches. During his time in the PSL, he played a total of 5 matches, where he managed to take 4 wickets at an average of 28.25. His best bowling figures in a single match were 3 for 37, showcasing his potential as a wicket-taking bowler.
Also READ: PAK vs ZIM: Sufiyan Muqeem’s record-breaking spell propels Pakistan to dominance in 2nd T20I
Record-breaking performance by Muqeem
On December 3, 2024, during a T20I match against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Muqeem delivered a stunning performance that would etch his name into cricket history. He achieved figures of 5 wickets for just 3 runs in 2.4 overs, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to record such figures in T20Is. This performance not only helped Pakistan secure a ten-wicket victory but also showcased Muqeem’s potential as a future star for the national team.
His five-wicket haul surpassed the previous record held by Umar Gul, who had figures of 5/6. This remarkable feat has positioned Muqeem as one of the leading bowlers in T20 cricket, with a total of 14 wickets from just 7 T20I matches at an impressive average of 8.14.
Despite his relatively short career thus far, Muqeem has already made significant contributions to his team. In addition to his record-breaking performance against Zimbabwe, he was also instrumental during the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup earlier this year, where he took six wickets across four matches. Muqeem’s bowling style and ability to take crucial wickets have made him an asset to the Pakistan team. As he continues to develop and gain experience on the international stage, there is considerable excitement about what he can achieve in the future.
