Sufiyan Muqeem shines for Zalmi as Babar Azam backs spinner’s Pakistan prospects

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has emerged as one of the standout bowlers of the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League season, playing a central role in his side’s unbeaten run so far.

The left-arm wrist spinner has regularly been brought into the attack by captain Babar Azam during the middle overs, and he has responded with frequent breakthroughs. In five PSL matches, the 23-year-old has taken 13 wickets, averaging just under 10 while conceding 6.45 runs per over, placing him at the top of the bowling charts.

His latest influential outing came on Monday night at the National Bank Stadium, where he returned figures of 3-30 in Peshawar Zalmi’s 24-run win over Multan Sultans. Multan were chasing 197 and appeared settled at different stages of the innings, but Sufiyan’s control and variation shifted momentum in Zalmi’s favour. He dismissed important batters, including Josh Philippe and Ashton Turner, as the required rate climbed.

Sufiyan’s performances this season have come after he lost his place in the Pakistan side despite making an encouraging start to international cricket two years ago. He claimed eight wickets in four One-day Internationals at an average of 22.75, while in 19 T20 Internationals he took 27 wickets at 14.74. He was later left out as selectors moved in another direction, forcing the spinner to regroup.

Babar Azam praised the bowler after the Multan match and said he trusted him to deliver key wickets. “Whenever I give him the ball as a captain, I have confidence that he’ll pick up a wicket for me somewhere,” Babar said after the Multan match. “When he goes for the kill, he’s not a bowler who gets hit easily. In my opinion, he’s a big asset for Pakistan, and going forward, he’ll serve Pakistan a lot with the way he’s bowling.”

The Zalmi captain also said the spinner was still developing and remained eager to improve. “He talks to the coaches. After every match, he asks, ‘Where can I do better?’” Babar noted.

Zalmi fielding coach Azhar Ali also highlighted the difficulty of left-arm wrist spin and credited Sufiyan for the control and temperament he has shown in the format. “Left-arm wrist spin is quite rare and it’s hard to bowl accurately. The way he has bowled with control and temperament is impressive because in T20 cricket the best batters come after you and you have to be brave — and he has been brave,” Azhar said.

Sufiyan’s cricketing path began in tape-ball cricket in Azad Jammu and Kashmir before he moved into structured cricket in Rawalpindi. His domestic displays eventually earned him a place in the national side. While his early T20I performances suggested significant promise, competition for places meant even short dips in form could prove costly.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Sufiyan’s contribution extends beyond wicket numbers. In a bowling unit that also includes the pace of Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, he has added control and variation. With the tournament moving into a decisive phase, Zalmi have carried momentum through an unbeaten campaign, with Sufiyan playing a major part in that run.