NZ vs PAK 2025: Sufiyan Muqeem creates history by registering highest score for No. 12 batter

Sufiyan Muqeem created history by accumulating the highest score registered by a No. 12 batter in an international game during the second ODI of the series between New Zealand and Pakistan in Hamilton on Wednesday, April 2. He ended up unbeaten on 13 off 10 deliveries, while his side ended up on the losing end by 84 runs.

Notably, Haris Rauf retired out after copping a nasty blow to the helmet of a steep Will O'Rourke delivery during the 25th over of the run-chase. Naseem Shah, who was originally not in the combination, was brought on as a concussion substitute. Consequently, this meant Muqeem was technically the 12th batter to come in. Interestingly, Naseem himself came close to overhauling the highest score made by a No. 11 batter in an ODI.

The speedster was dismissed on 51 off 44 deliveries, falling short of Mohammed Amir's record score of 58. Earlier in the game, Muqeem was the standout bowler for Pakistan. He ended up with figures of 2/33 in 10 overs. Interestingly, that game was only his second ODI of his international career. Pakistan ended up on the losing side of the game by quite a comprehensive margin at the end.

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Speaking of the game, Pakistan slumped to 72/7 in the 22nd over while chasing 293 to level the series. All of the top five batters for the tourists had been dismissed for single-digit scores in what was a massive collapse. Faheem Ashraf (73) combined with Naseem to lead a resilient comeback. Later, Muqeem combined with Naseem to forge together a 34-run partnership for the final wicket. The Kiwis ended up triumphing in the third and final game of the series to whitewash Pakistan.