Bulawayo, December 3, 2024 — Pakistan delivered a ruthless performance in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, securing a 10-wicket victory with a record margin and clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, who collapsed dramatically from 37 for no loss to 57 all out, losing 10 wickets for just 20 runs in a staggering span of 43 balls.

Sufyan Moqim: The Star of the Show

The standout performer of the match was Sufyan Moqim, Pakistan’s 25-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner. Making a stunning comeback after missing the 2024 HBL Pakistan Super League due to injury, Sufyan delivered a career-defining spell, registering astonishing figures of 2.4-0-3-5.

Sufyan picked up all five of his wickets in just 13 balls, marking the best bowling figures for Pakistan in T20I history. He also became only the third Pakistan bowler after Umar Gul and Imad Wasim to claim five wickets in a T20I. His performance left the Zimbabwean batsmen utterly clueless and solidified his reputation as a lethal weapon in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal.

Supporting Sufyan was 23-year-old Mohammad Abbas Afridi, who bowled with pinpoint accuracy to record figures of 2-1-2-2, ensuring there was no escape route for Zimbabwe.

A Day of Records

Zimbabwe’s total of 57 was not only their lowest in 157 T20Is but also the fourth-lowest total by any Test-playing nation. Pakistan’s clinical chase, achieved in just 33 balls, set a new record for the largest margin of victory by balls remaining (87) in a T20I between two Test-playing nations, surpassing Australia’s win over Bangladesh in Dubai in 2021.

Pakistan’s Clinical Chase

Chasing a meager target of 58, Pakistan’s openers wasted no time. Saim Ayub, the in-form left-hander, smashed an unbeaten 36 off 18 balls, including six fours and a six. His partner, Omair Bin Yousuf, played a composed knock of 22 not out off 15 balls, with two fours and a six. Together, they sealed the victory in just 5.3 overs, ensuring Zimbabwe had no chance to bounce back.

Zimbabwe’s Collapse: What Went Wrong?

Zimbabwe’s innings began promisingly at 37 for no loss in just 4.2 overs. However, the introduction of Sufyan Moqim in the ninth over triggered a spectacular collapse. The hosts had no answers to Pakistan’s disciplined and aggressive bowling attack, losing all 10 wickets in a span of less than nine overs.

Looking Ahead

With the series already secured, Pakistan will aim for a clean sweep in the third T20I, scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will need to regroup and find solutions to counter Pakistan’s red-hot form to salvage some pride in the final match.

Scores in Brief

Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

• Zimbabwe: 57 all out in 12.4 overs (Sufyan Moqim 5-3, Abbas Afridi 2-2)
• Pakistan: 61-0 in 5.3 overs (Saim Ayub 36*, Omair Bin Yousuf 22*)

Pakistan’s commanding performance underscores their dominance in the series and highlights the emergence of new match-winners like Sufyan Moqim, making them a formidable force in T20 cricket.