Rashid Khan becomes first bowler to claim 200 T20I wickets

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has added another remarkable achievement to his already glittering career, becoming the first bowler in men’s T20 International cricket to claim 200 wickets.

The 28-year-old reached the historic milestone during Afghanistan’s second T20I against Zimbabwe at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, further strengthening his position among the greatest bowlers in the shortest format.

Rashid entered the match with 199 wickets from 119 T20I appearances. He needed just one more breakthrough to reach the landmark and delivered when he trapped Zimbabwe opener Tadiwanashe Marumani leg before wicket (LBW).

With that dismissal, Rashid became the first player to cross the 200-wicket mark in T20Is, achieving the feat in his 120th match.

England’s Adil Rashid is second on the all-time list with 171 wickets from 153 matches, while Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan occupies third place with 165 wickets in 119 appearances.

The Afghanistan captain also leads the overall T20 wicket-taking charts, having collected 742 wickets in 551 matches at an impressive average of 18.75. West Indies spinner Sunil Narine follows with 658 wickets from 617 matches, while former all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has 631 wickets in 582 games.

Rashid made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2015. Since then, his variations, control and ability to take crucial wickets have made him one of the most influential bowlers in international and franchise cricket.

He also holds the record for the most hat-tricks in T20 cricket, with four to his name.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan secured a 19-run victory in the second T20I to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan recovered from an early collapse to post 221-7. Azmatullah Omarzai smashed a stunning 116 off 50 deliveries, including 12 sixes and five fours, while Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai contributed 52 from 27 balls.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza fought back with an unbeaten 106 off 56 deliveries, but his effort could not prevent his side from falling short.

Rashid’s historic achievement added another memorable chapter to an impressive night for Afghanistan cricket.