Rashid Khan Creates History, Becomes First Bowler To Claim 200 T20I Wickets

Rashid Khan Becomes First Bowler To Reach 200 Wickets In Men’s T20Is

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has added another historic achievement to his remarkable career, becoming the first bowler to take 200 wickets in men’s T20 International cricket. The 28-year-old reached the landmark during Afghanistan’s second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Rashid needed just one more wicket to enter the record books. He achieved the feat by trapping Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani lbw for two runs during the visitors’ chase of 222. The dismissal further underlined his dominance in a format generally considered favourable to batters.

The record came in Rashid’s 120th T20I match, strengthening his position as the leading wicket-taker in men’s international T20 cricket. He had taken over the top spot in September 2025, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee. Earlier this year, he also became one of the few bowlers to cross 700 wickets in overall T20 cricket.

Since making his international debut against Zimbabwe in October 2015, Rashid has established himself as one of the most successful and feared bowlers in the shortest format. England’s Adil Rashid is currently second on the list, but remains well behind the Afghanistan star.

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 Numbers Reflect His T20I Dominance
Rashid’s achievements extend well beyond the 200-wicket mark. He has claimed 150 wickets in Asia, the highest tally by any bowler in the continent, with 79 of those dismissals coming in the UAE.

He also holds the record for taking the most wickets against a single opponent in men’s T20Is. Ireland have been his most frequent victims, with Rashid dismissing their batters 45 times.

Zimbabwe have struggled against him as well. The leg-spinner has taken 38 wickets against the African side and dismissed Ryan Burl on seven occasions. That is the highest number of times a bowler has removed the same batter in men’s T20Is. The only higher tally in the format belongs to Jersey’s Charles Perchard, who has dismissed Guernsey’s Matthew Stokes eight times.

Rashid has been particularly effective during the middle and closing stages of an innings. Of his 200 T20I wickets, 142 have come between the seventh and 16th overs, while 56 have been taken in the final four overs. He has claimed only two powerplay wickets, having bowled just 102 deliveries during that period.

Another impressive feature of his record is his ability to produce match-changing spells. Rashid has taken at least four wickets in an innings 11 times, two more than any other bowler in men’s T20Is.

Afghanistan Seal Series After Dramatic Comeback
Rashid’s historic achievement came on a memorable evening for Afghanistan, who recovered from a disastrous start to post a formidable 221/7.

The innings was rescued by Azmatullah Omarzai, who delivered a sensational performance with the bat, scoring 116 from just 50 balls. His knock featured five fours and 12 sixes and came after Afghanistan had collapsed to 5/4.

Omarzai found an able partner in Ijaz Ahmadzai, with the pair adding 142 runs for the sixth wicket in only 59 deliveries. Ahmadzai contributed 52 off 27 balls, while Rashid provided a late burst with an unbeaten 25 from just six deliveries.

Zimbabwe mounted a strong response, led by captain Sikandar Raza, who scored his second T20I century. However, his effort could not take the team across the finish line, with Zimbabwe eventually falling 19 runs short.

The victory gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. It also extended their remarkable run against Zimbabwe to eight consecutive T20I series victories.