Sufiyan Muqeem equals Ravichandran Ashwin's record

In a remarkable feat of spin bowling, Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem has joined an elite list of cricketers by levelling Ravichandran Ashwin's record for the most wickets taken by a spinner in a 3-match T20I series. Muqeem achieved the milestone during the third and final T20I of Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe, a match that saw the young leg-spinner picking up his 9th wicket of the series.

Muqeem's historic performance levels the record previously set by India's Ravi Ashwin, who claimed 9 wickets in a T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2016. The feat also places Muqeem among the all-time greats of limited-overs spin bowling, sitting just behind Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, who holds the record with a staggering 11 wickets against Ireland in 2019.

In the series-deciding third T20I, which Zimbabwe won in a last ball thriller, Muqeem was once again the standout performer with the ball. He bowled with exceptional control and precision, claiming a crucial wicket and finishing the series with a total of 9 scalps at an exceptional average of 4.66. 

Muqeem's 9-wicket haul in the series was instrumental in Pakistan securing a 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe and he won the Player of the series award. His spell on the turning pitches of Bulawayo, where the ball gripped and spun sharply, showcased his growing mastery over all conditions. His guile and variation have made him a key figure in Pakistan’s T20I attack, and this record will undoubtedly elevate his status as one of the top spinners in international cricket.

Throughout the series, Muqeem demonstrated exceptional skill in the middle overs, often providing the breakthrough when Pakistan needed it most. His ability to contain the run rate while taking wickets at regular intervals proved crucial.

While Zimbabwe’s victory in the final match was a team effort, Muqeem’s contributions with the ball were pivotal. He removed Zimbabwe’s opening batter Brian Bennett. By the end of the series, Muqeem's tally of 9 wickets had made him an integral part of Pakistan’s T20I setup going forward.

Pakistan's skipper Salman Ali Agha also praised Muqeem's performance, saying, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Muqeem, and their bright futures. "Both have a long future ahead, both will serve Pakistan for a long time" Agha explained. 

With Muqeem's achievement, the list of most wickets by a spinner in a 3-match T20I series now reads as follows:

1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 11 wickets vs Ireland (2019)   
2. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 9 wickets vs Sri Lanka (2016)  
3. Sufiyan Muqeem (Pakistan) – 9 wickets vs Zimbabwe (2024)  
4. Imad Wasim (Pakistan) - 9 wickets vs West Indies (2016)
5. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) - 9 wickets vs Ireland (2017)

Muqeem’s achievement places him in illustrious company, as he surpasses Imad Wasim's long-standing record, which had stood for 8 years as the best by a Pakistani spinner in a 3-match T20I series.