Rashid Khan achieves historic feat during Afghanistan’s series-clinching win over Zimbabwe in 2nd T20I
Afghanistan star Rashid Khan once again demonstrated his extraordinary value to the national side during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The experienced leg-spinner produced a memorable performance on a special night for Afghan cricket, helping his team maintain control of the contest with his variations and ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments.
The 28-year-old entered the encounter with an opportunity to achieve a remarkable milestone in international cricket. Having already established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in the shortest format, Rashid was just one wicket away from reaching an unprecedented landmark and he eventually achieved the special feat.
Rashid Khan becomes first bowler to achieve historic feat in T20Is
Rashid scripted history by claiming 200 wickets in the shortest format, a feat no other bowler accomplished in T20Is. He arrived in Sharjah with 199 wickets in his T20I career, knowing that another successful outing would take him into uncharted territory. The historic breakthrough came when he trapped Zimbabwe opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, completing his 200th dismissal in his 120th T20I appearance.
With this achievement, the former Afghanistan skipper has created a record that highlights his remarkable consistency and longevity in international cricket. His ability to trouble batters across different conditions and against various oppositions has made him one of the most influential players in the format.
The milestone also adds to an extraordinary year for the leg-spinner. Rashid recently crossed the 700-wicket mark in overall T20 cricket, further underlining his impact across international matches and franchise competitions.
Most wickets in T20I cricket
- Rashid Khan (AFG): 200
- Adil Rashid (ENG): 171
- Ehsan Khan (HKG): 165
Azmatullah Omarzai powers Afghanistan to series-clinching win
Speaking about the contest, Afghanistan endured a disastrous start with the bat, losing four wickets for just five runs inside the first four overs. However, Azmatullah Omarzai turned the innings around with a sensational knock of 116 off just 50 deliveries, smashing 12 sixes. He found an excellent partner in Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, who contributed 52 runs from 27 balls. The duo stitched together a remarkable 142-run partnership, setting a new T20I world record for the highest stand for the sixth wicket or lower. Their efforts helped Afghanistan post a formidable total of 221/7.
In response, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza produced a magnificent unbeaten 106 off 56 deliveries, becoming the oldest player to score a century in men’s T20I cricket. Despite his extraordinary effort, Zimbabwe could not complete the chase and finished 19 runs short, handing Afghanistan a memorable victory.
Also READ: Rashid Khan opens up on the toughest batter he has bowled to in his career
