(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Sufiyan Muqeem Emerges as Pakistan’s Secret Weapon in T20I Cricket
In a format that heavily favors batters—especially when chasing targets—Pakistan may have quietly discovered a game-changer in the form of Sufiyan Muqeem. The young left-arm spinner has quickly established himself as one of the most economical bowlers in T20 international cricket, especially when defending a total.
Record-Breaking Economy Rate in T20Is
Still early in his international career, Muqeem is already making history. He now holds the best economy rate while defending a total in T20Is among bowlers from full member nations with a meaningful sample size.
During Pakistan’s recent series-clinching win over the West Indies, Sufiyan bowled a clinical spell, conceding just 20 runs in four overs, along with picking up a crucial wicket.
Top 5 Best T20I Economy Rates (While Defending a Total):
| Player Name | Overs | Wickets | Economy Rate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sufiyan Muqeem | 33 | 13 | 5.27 | 13.38 |
| Ashton Agar | 47.4 | 25 | 5.30 | 10.12 |
| Samuel Badree | 87 | 29 | 5.58 | 16.75 |
| Raymond Price | 41.3 | 8 | 5.63 | 29.25 |
| Sunil Narine | 125.4 | 35 | 5.74 | 20.62 |
With an average of 13.38 in these pressure situations, Muqeem not only restricts runs but consistently takes wickets, making him a vital two-in-one threat for Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
A Rare Talent in Modern T20 Cricket
In an era where bowlers often struggle to contain explosive batting lineups, Sufiyan Muqeem’s control, variation, and composure have made him a standout performer. His fearless approach in high-pressure second innings situations is helping Pakistan clamp down on chasing sides—a rare quality in modern-day T20 cricket.
Building on Pakistan’s Legacy of Spin
Pakistan has a proud history of producing world-class spinners, and Muqeem looks poised to continue that tradition—tailor-made for the demands of T20 cricket. His ability to apply pressure, break partnerships, and control the run flow could be the key to Pakistan’s success in upcoming ACC and ICC tournaments.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 T20 calendar unfolds, Sufiyan Muqeem’s rise is one of the most promising developments for Pakistan cricket. If his current form is any indication, he may well become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s T20 bowling strategy, and a future icon in the world of defensive spin bowling.
