Daijiworld Media Network - Sharjah
Sharjah, Oct 30: Afghanistan's star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has created history by becoming the first bowler in men's T20 International cricket to claim 200 wickets. He achieved the landmark during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 29.
Rashid entered the match with 199 wickets to his name and reached the milestone when he dismissed Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani for two runs in the ninth over of the chase. The achievement came in his 120th T20I appearance, further underlining his remarkable consistency in the shortest format.
With 200 wickets, Rashid now leads the all-time T20I wicket-takers' list by 29 wickets over England's Adil Rashid, who has 171. Hong Kong's Ehsan Khan and New Zealand's Ish Sodhi follow with 165 wickets each.
Rashid also made a significant contribution with the bat, helping Afghanistan recover from a disastrous start. After losing five wickets for just 38 runs, the hosts were rescued by a magnificent 142-run sixth-wicket partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai.
Omarzai smashed 116 runs off 50 deliveries, including 12 sixes and five boundaries, while Ijaz contributed 52 off 27 balls. Rashid then provided a spectacular finish, remaining unbeaten on 25 off just six deliveries, with four sixes in the final over bowled by Kundai Matigimu. Afghanistan finished with 221 for seven in 20 overs.
Zimbabwe began their chase positively but lost five wickets for 82 runs, leaving them under pressure. Captain Sikandar Raza kept his side in contention with a superb unbeaten 106 off 56 balls, while Tafadzwa Tsiga scored 31 not out. The pair added an unbroken 120 runs for the sixth wicket, but Zimbabwe finished on 202 for five, falling 19 runs short.
Rashid claimed one wicket for 29 runs in his four overs, including the historic dismissal of Marumani. Afghanistan's 19-run victory gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one match remaining.
The milestone adds another major achievement to Rashid's career and places him alone at the top of the men's T20I wicket-taking charts.