Rashid Khan Creates History With 165th T20I Wicket

Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan has once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time. Playing in Sharjah during the ongoing tri-nation series, Rashid delivered a brilliant spell that helped his team secure a victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE). His outstanding performance not only guided Afghanistan to their first win of the tournament but also etched his name into cricket’s history books.

With his three wickets in the match, Rashid Khan officially became the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20 international cricket, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who held the record for many years. This achievement has further strengthened Rashid’s legacy as one of the finest bowlers to ever play the shortest format of the game.

Currently, Rashid has 165 wickets in just 98 matches, which is an extraordinary feat. His economy rate of 6.07 makes him even more special because it shows how difficult it is for batters to score runs against him. In comparison, Southee has 164 wickets in 126 matches, but his economy rate is much higher at 8.00. At only 26 years old, Rashid is not just dominating international cricket but also ruling franchise leagues across the globe. In fact, he holds the record for the most T20 wickets overall—a staggering 664 wickets in 489 matches worldwide. Considering his young age and the large number of T20 games he still has ahead, Rashid’s record might remain untouched for many years.

When looking at the list of top wicket-takers, Pakistan also has representation. Fast bowler Haris Rauf sits at number 11 with 124 wickets from 88 T20 internationals. His pace and aggression make him a key bowler for Pakistan, especially in high-pressure games.

Top Wicket-Takers in Men’s T20 Internationals

The night of Rashid’s record-breaking performance was even more special because Afghanistan also recorded their first win of the series, defeating hosts UAE by 38 runs. This victory lifted them to second place on the points table with one win from two matches. Pakistan, however, remain at the top after winning both of their games against Afghanistan and the UAE, maintaining a perfect record. The UAE, unfortunately, are yet to register a win after two outings.

Now, all eyes are set on the next clash where Afghanistan will face Pakistan once again. Matches between these two neighbors are always filled with excitement, intensity, and high emotions. Rashid Khan, who has been leading from the front, will look to continue his golden form, while Pakistan will aim to keep their unbeaten streak alive. With both sides eager to dominate, tonight’s encounter promises to be one of the highlights of the tri-nation series.

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