Muqeem shines as Pakistan clinch T20 series with crushing win over Zimbabwe

Left-arm orthodox spinner Sufiyan Muqeem's five-wicket haul powers Pakistan to take an unassailable 2-0 lead against Zimbabwe with a ten-wicket victory in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Queens Sports Club here on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest total, Pakistani openers Saim Ayoub (36*) and Omair Yousaf (22*) comfortably achieved the target in just 7.2 overs, ensuring a ten-wicket win. 

With this emphatic victory, Pakistan secured the three-match T20 series with a 2-0 lead.

Earlier after winning the toss, Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza chose to bat, but his decision backfired as Pakistan's bowling attack dismantled the hosts. Zimbabwe initially showed promise with a 37-run opening stand between Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani in just 4.3 overs.

Abbas Afridi broke the partnership by dismissing Marumani for 16, while Haris Rauf removed Bennett in the next over after a quick 21 off 14 balls.

From there, Zimbabwe’s innings unraveled, losing eight wickets for just 20 runs. Afridi and Salman Ali Agha dismissed Sikandar Raza and Dion Myers for three runs each before Muqeem delivered a devastating spell.

The left-arm wrist-spinner claimed his first two wickets, Ryan Burl (1) and Tashinga Musekiwa (0), in consecutive deliveries and followed up with Wellington Masakadza (3) and Richard Ngarava (0).

He sealed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Clive Madande (9), wrapping up the innings in just 12.4 overs.