Pakistan cricketer Sufiyan Muqeem creates unique record in ODIs

Dubai: Pakistan spinner Sufiyan Muqeem created a new world record scoring the highest individual runs as a No 12 batsman during the second One-day International against New Zealand at Hamilton.

Pakistan lost the match by 84 runs giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Muqeem got to the field to bat at No 12 after Pakistan were forced to use a concussion sub - Naseem Shah - after Haris Rauf suffered a blow on his helmet.

Muqeem is only the 10th player across the three formats of the game to play at number 12. The 25-year-old hit an unbeaten knock of 13 in 10 balls and set the record for the highest score by a batter from number 12 in international cricket and also became the first to score more than 10 runs.

Even Naseem Shah who came in at No 11 became the only second cricketer in history to score 51 off 44 balls at that position. He fell short by six runs of Mohammed Amir's record score of 58 at No 11 position scored during the match against England at Nottingham in 2016.

After Pakistan opted to field first, NZ put on 292/8 in their 50 overs. The hosts were reduced to 132/5, before knocks from Muhammad Abbas (41 in 66 balls, with three fours) and Mitchell Hay (99 not out in 78 balls, with seven fours and seven sixes) saved the Kiwis.

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

During the chase, Pakistan collapsed to 72 for seven due to fiery spells of Ben Sears (5/59) and Jacob Duffy (3/35). Faheem Ashraf (73 in 80 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Naseem (51 in 44 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) led a fight back but that couldn't help Pakistan achieve a victory.