Sufiyan Moqim’s magic leads Pakistan to dominant win, Zimbabwe posts lowest T20I total

Pakistan sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series against Zimbabwe after a stunning performance in Bulawayo on Tuesday. The second match saw Zimbabwe crumble to their lowest-ever T20I total of 57, thanks to a mesmerizing spell from Sufiyan Moqim.

The young spinner was the star of the match, delivering an extraordinary five-wicket haul for just three runs in 2.4 overs. His figures of 5/3 set the stage for Pakistan’s commanding 10-wicket victory, earning him the Player of the Match title.

Zimbabwe started brightly, with openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani putting up a 37-run stand. However, Pakistan’s pacers Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi quickly broke through, removing both openers and leaving the hosts vulnerable.

Moqim then took center stage, using a mix of googlies and top spin to decimate Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order. His sharp variations left Zimbabwe’s batters clueless, with nine players failing to reach double digits. Supporting spinners Salman Agha and Abrar Ahmed chipped in as Zimbabwe’s innings collapsed to a mere 57 runs.

Chasing the modest target, Pakistan made quick work of the total. Saim Ayub led the charge with a series of elegant strokes, starting with a boundary off Sikandar Raza’s first over. Ayub continued to showcase his flair, combining power and precision to guide Pakistan to victory.

Omair Yousuf joined the action with a towering six, while Ayub capitalized on loose deliveries from Trevor Gwandu and Blessing Muzarabani. The chase was completed inside the powerplay, with Ayub’s three boundaries and strike rotations sealing Pakistan’s 10-wicket triumph.

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Zimbabwe Captain Sikandar Raza Reflects on Record-Low T20I Total, Urges Team to Regroup

After Zimbabwe’s historic low of 57 all out in the second T20I against Pakistan, captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged the team’s struggles, describing the mood in the camp as “hurting” and in a “pretty bad place.” Despite the setback, Raza emphasized the importance of bouncing back quickly ahead of the final match on Thursday.

Speaking after the game, Raza admitted the team’s performance was disappointing but highlighted the need to look forward. “We are all hurting, and we are in a pretty bad place. But we have 36 hours to regroup and come back stronger. Staying in the moment won’t win us the next game. We still have the desire to beat Pakistan before they head home,” he said.

Raza urged his players to adapt better to the conditions and Pakistan’s potent spin attack. “You have to upskill yourself, look at the surface and the opposition, and adjust. There’s a time to grind and a time to soak up pressure. We cannot rely on power-hitters all the way,” he explained.

With the series already conceded following a 10-wicket defeat, Raza also called for patience, noting the inexperience of Zimbabwe’s squad. “This is a young side. The more we play, the more we learn. Pakistan are a quality team, and it’s not easy. But we must reflect on recurring mistakes and take responsibility,” he added.

Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha Lauds Sufiyan Moqim‘s Brilliance in Dominant Win Over Zimbabwe

Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha showered praise on spinner Sufiyan Moqim after his extraordinary performance in the second T20I against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Moqim’s five-wicket haul for just three runs in 2.4 overs was pivotal in Pakistan’s emphatic 10-wicket victory, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Speaking after the match, Salman expressed his delight with Pakistan’s execution of plans, particularly the bowling efforts of the spin duo. “The way Sufiyan and Abrar bowled today was outstanding. We had plans, and they executed them brilliantly. The whole team is very happy,” Salman said during the post-match presentation.

The win also marked a significant turnaround for Pakistan, who had recently suffered a T20I series whitewash in Australia. Reflecting on the victory, Salman highlighted the importance of securing the series in Zimbabwe. “We wanted to win this series after not performing well in Australia. This was our objective, and we want to continue this momentum in the upcoming series,” he stated.

Salman also expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s approach, emphasizing the team’s adaptability and resilience regardless of the toss outcome. “That’s how we want to play. We’re a quality side and can win whether we bat first or bowl first. It’s heartening to see the youngsters stepping up and performing so well,” he added.

With the series already in their favor, Pakistan will look to complete a clean sweep in the final T20I on Thursday.