Rashid Khan makes history, becoming the first bowler to take 200 T20I wickets

ByTech Word News

Rashid Khan has made a habit of rewriting records and the Afghanistan leg-spinner has now achieved a milestone that no bowler has achieved so far in men’s T20I cricket. The 28-year-old became the first to take 200 wickets in the format during Afghanistan’s second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Needing just one wicket to reach the landmark, Rashid got there by dismissing Zimbabwean wicketkeeper Tadiwanash Marumani, who was trapped for two lbw in pursuit of 222. It was another reminder of Afghanistan’s remarkable consistency in a format where the batsmen usually fire.

HISTORIC MOMENT! WICKET NO. 200 IN T20I CRICKET! @rashidkhan_19 has etched his name into the history books by becoming the first ever player in the world to score 200 wickets in men’s T20I cricket! #AfghanAtalan | #AFGvZIM | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 29, 2026

The milestone came in Rashid’s 120th T20I appearance and increased his lead at the top of the all-wicket-takers’ list. As early as September 2025, he became the leading wicket-taker in men’s T20Is when he overtook New Zealand’s Tim Southee. Earlier this year he also crossed the 700-wicket mark in total T20 cricket.

Since his international debut against Zimbabwe in October 2015, Rashid has turned into one of the most feared bowlers in the shortest format. England’s Adil Rashid is his closest challenger on the international list, but the gap between them is already considerable.

Most wickets in Men’s T20Is

  • Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 200 wickets in 120 matches, average 13.96, economy 6.13
  • Adil Rashid (England) – 171 wickets in 153 matches, average 23.42, economy 7.56
  • Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong) – 165 wickets in 119 matches, average 15.38, economy 6.11
  • Ish Sodhi (New Zealand) – 165 wickets in 142 matches, average 23.01, economy 8.16
  • Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 164 wickets in 126 matches, average 22.38, economy 8.00

RASHID’S NOTABLE T20I RECORD

There is much more to Rashid’s numbers than just the 200-wicket milestone. He took 150 wickets in Asia, the most by any bowler on the continent, including 79 in the UAE. He also holds the record for most wickets against a single opponent in men’s T20Is, dismissing Irish batsmen 45 times.

Zimbabwe also had a hard time handling him. Rashid took 38 wickets against them, including dismissing Ryan Burl seven times, the most dismissals by a bowler in men’s T20Is. Only Jersey’s Charles Perchard has dismissed an individual batsman more often, sending Guernsey’s Matthew Stokes back to the pavilion eight times.

Rashid’s impact has been particularly pronounced in the mediums and lethals. Of his 200 wickets, 142 came between overs 7 and 16, while another 56 came in the last four overs. He took just two wickets in the powerplay, taking just 102 deliveries during that phase. He also claimed four or more wickets in an innings on 11 occasions, two more than any other bowler.

AFGHANISTAN COMPLETE EXCITING WIN

Rashid’s landmark was part of a memorable night for Afghanistan, who bounced back from a disastrous start to post 221/7. Azmatullah Omarzai produced a stunning save as he smashed 116 off 50 balls, including five fours and 12 sixes, after Afghanistan slumped to 5/4.

He combined with Ijaz Ahmadzai to put on 142 runs for the sixth wicket in just 59 deliveries, with the latter contributing 52 off 27 balls. Rashid then provided a late flourish, plundering an unbeaten 25 off just six deliveries.

Zimbabwe fought hard in the chase with captain Sikandar Raza smashing his second T20I century. However, his efforts were not enough as the visitors were bowled out by 19 runs. Afghanistan’s win also secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and extended their winning streak against Zimbabwe to eight consecutive T20I series.

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