KARACHI: When Sufiyan Muqeem marks his breakthrough in the bowling crease, the fall of the opposition’s wickets seems almost inevitable. Such has been the pattern that the left-arm wrist spinner has set this Pakistan HBL Super League season for Peshawar Zalmi.
Introduced heavily into the attack by captain Babar Azam during the crucial intervals, Sufiyan has made a habit of attacking regularly. In doing so, the 23-year-old has amassed 13 wickets in five PSL outings so far (averaging just under 10 and conceding a measly 6.45 per over) to sit at the top of the bowling charts.
Sufiyan’s latest masterclass came on Monday night at the National Bank Stadium, where his spell of 3-30 proved decisive in Peshawar Zalmi’s 24-run victory over Multan Sultans. Chasing 197, the Sultans looked comfortable in the stages but Sufiyan’s variations and control turned the tide. He removed key players, including Josh Philippe and Ashton Turner, and applied the brakes as the turnover rate soared.
The left-hander’s resurgence in the PSL has been nothing short of a redemption arc after he was dropped from the Pakistan side despite a promising start to his international career two years ago – four ODIs that produced eight wickets at 22.75 and 19 T20Is that produced 27 scalps at 14.74.
However, the selectors moved on, leaving the young spinner to reassess and rebuild.
That setback could have affected confidence. Instead, it provoked a professional response. Back with Zalmi, Sufiyan has shown the composure and hunger that first caught the attention of the selectors.
“Every time I give him the ball as a captain, I am confident that he will get me a wicket somewhere,” Babar said after the Multan match. “When he goes for the kill, he is not a player who gets hit easily. In my opinion, he is a big asset for Pakistan and in the future, he will be a big help to them with their bowling.”
Babar added that Sufiyan still needed to improve but was making steady progress.
“Talk to the coaches. After every game, ask, ‘Where can I do better?'” the Pakistani stalwart said.
That attitude – humble, inquisitive and relentless – has been evident in Sufiyan’s ability to perform under pressure, mixing flight, landing and sharp turning on unresponsive surfaces.
Zalmi’s fielding coach Azhar Ali echoed the captain’s views, highlighting the rarity of the left-arm wrist spin and control that Sufiyan has shown.
“The left arm wrist spin is quite rare and it is difficult to bowl accurately. The way he has bowled with control and temperament is impressive because in T20 cricket the best batsmen chase you and you have to be brave and he has been brave,” Azhar said.
Sufiyan’s journey mirrors that of many Pakistani cricketers – from his tape-ball roots in AJK to structured cricket in Rawalpindi, followed by domestic performances that earned him a national call-up.
Initial success in T20Is promised a lot, but the competitive nature of the team meant that even short spells could cost him a place.
For Zalmi, his role goes beyond numbers. In an attack featuring the pace of Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, Sufiyan offers control and variety.
Peshawar remains unbeaten so far in the PSL, carrying momentum into the end of the tournament.
At 23 years old, Muqeem’s story is still unfolding. The national door that was closed can still be reopened if it maintains this form. For now, their goal remains clear: execute plans, constantly learn, and respond to criticism step by step.
As Babar observed, perseverance brings rewards. In Sufiyan’s case, quiet determination is quickly translating into match-winning performances on the biggest national stage.
Published in Dawn, April 15, 2026
