Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem becomes number 12 batter with highest score in ODI cricket

ANI April 3, 2025 248 views

In a fascinating ODI match at Hamilton, Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem etched his name in cricket history by becoming the highest-scoring number 12 batsman. The match saw New Zealand comprehensively beat Pakistan by 84 runs, securing the series 2-0 with one game remaining. Despite valiant efforts from Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah, Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled under pressure from Ben Sears' exceptional bowling. The game highlighted the unpredictable and thrilling nature of international cricket, with individual performances standing out despite the team's overall defeat.

"A remarkable achievement in a challenging match" - Cricket Analyst
Hamilton, April 2: Pakistan spinner Sufiyan Muqeem established a world record on Tuesday, becoming the player with the highest individual score at number 12 position in an ODI match.

Key Points

1

Muqeem scored 13 runs while batting at number 12 position

2

Naseem Shah contributed crucial 51 runs in defeat

3

New Zealand won series 2-0 with 84-run victory

4

Ben Sears took 5 wickets dismantling Pakistan's batting

Muqeem achieved this record during his side's second ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand at Hamilton.

While chasing 293 against the Kiwis, Muqeem came to bat with his team at 174/9 and scored 13 in 10 balls, with a four and six. He also had a brief partnership with Naseem Shah, who smashed 51 in 44 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes. Naseem himself fell short of Mohammed Amir's record score of 58 at number 11, which he made against England at Nottingham in 2016. Naseem was the concussion substitute of Haris Rauf, who was hit on his helmet, hence Muqeem being the number 12th man for Pakistan, as per Wisden.

Kiwis beat Pakistan by 84 runs at Hamilton to secure the ODI series 2-0 with a game to go. After Pakistan opted to field first, NZ put on 292/8 in their 50 overs. After being reduced to 132/5, knocks from Muhammad Abbas (41 in 66 balls, with three fours) and Mitchell Hay (99* in 78 balls, with seven fours and seven sixes) saved NZ.

Muqeem (2/33) and Mohammed Wasim (2/78) were the top bowlers for Pakistan.

During the chase, Pakistan sunk to 72/7 due to fiery spells of Ben Sears (5/59) and Jacob Duffy (3/35). A fightback from Faheem Ashraf (73 in 80 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Naseem (51 in 44 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) did help Pakistan reach a better position, but not a victory.

Reader Comments

A
Asif K.
What an achievement for Muqeem! 🎉 Not many get to make records while batting at number 12. Shows the depth in Pakistan's tailenders. Though I wish we could've won the match too...
R
Raza M.
Naseem Shah's 51 was more impressive to me honestly. A number 11 batter scoring a half century is rare! But congrats to Muqeem for the record.
S
Sarah T.
While the record is nice, I'm concerned about our top order collapsing yet again. 72/7 is unacceptable at international level. The tailenders shouldn't have to bail us out so often.
K
Kamran J.
That partnership between Faheem and Naseem was fire! 🔥 Shame it couldn't take us to victory but great entertainment for fans. Also, props to Muqeem for his bowling figures - 2/33 is excellent.
M
Mariam F.
Interesting how records can be made in unexpected ways. Who would've thought a number 12 batter would get a record? Cricket never fails to surprise me!
Z
Zubair A.
Mitchell Hay was the real star of the match though. 99* under pressure was a brilliant knock. Our bowlers did well but fielding needs improvement.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Sufiyan Muqeem ODI Cricket Pakistan Cricket New Zealand Cricket Cricket Record
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