Afghanistan’s star cricketer Rashid Khan has become the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 (T20) cricket, surpassing former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. With 632 wickets to his name, Rashid now holds the record for the most wickets in T20 history, a milestone celebrated as a national achievement in Afghanistan.
A Historic Milestone for Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, who was playing for MI Cape Town in South Africa’s SA20 league, achieved this feat on February 4 by dismissing Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. This crucial wicket not only secured victory for his team but also etched his name at the top of the global T20 wicket-taking charts.
Previously, Bravo had dominated the leaderboard since 2016 with 631 wickets. However, Rashid’s consistency and match-winning performances enabled him to overtake the West Indian great, achieving the record in 461 matches—over 100 fewer games than Bravo’s 580 appearances.
Afghan Fans Celebrate Rashid’s Achievement
Rashid Khan’s historic accomplishment has been met with widespread celebration across Afghanistan. Cricket enthusiasts, analysts, and former players regard it as a moment of immense national pride. Speaking to Azadi Radio, cricket fan Milli Yar from Paktia province remarked, “For an Afghan player to achieve this in a competitive cricketing world dominated by teams like India, Australia, and England, despite limited resources, is truly inspiring.”
Similarly, Zarmena, a Kabul resident, called Rashid’s success a “historic achievement,” adding, “It is a source of joy for all Afghans to see our country’s name shine on the global stage.”
Another cricket supporter, Isa from Mazar-i-Sharif, expressed his hopes for continued success: “I hope our national cricket team achieves more milestones. We will always stand behind them.”
Rashid Khan: “Every Achievement Is for My Country”
Although Rashid was unavailable for direct comment, he expressed his gratitude on social media. In a Facebook post on February 4, he wrote, “Every achievement I make is for my country.” His post quickly gained traction, with thousands of Afghan fans and international cricketing figures congratulating him.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) also hailed Rashid’s achievement, stating in a February 5 press release that his wicket tally is expected to rise further as he continues to play in multiple T20 leagues worldwide.
T20’s Leading Wicket-Takers
Following Rashid Khan’s milestone, the current top five T20 wicket-takers are:
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 632 wickets
- Dwayne Bravo (West Indies) – 631 wickets
- Sunil Narine (West Indies) – 574 wickets
- Imran Tahir (South Africa) – 531 wickets
- Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 492 wickets
Rashid Khan’s Dominance Across All Phases of T20 Cricket
Statistically, Rashid Khan has proven to be one of the most formidable bowlers across all phases of T20 cricket. His exceptional economy rate and ability to take wickets at crucial moments make him a match-winner. While his powerplay figures are strong, his ability to dominate in the middle overs and close out matches at the death makes him truly elite. He has taken 436 wickets in the middle overs alone, significantly more than his closest competitor, Imran Tahir.
At the death (overs 17-20), Rashid boasts an economy rate of just 7.92, making him one of the hardest bowlers to score against in high-pressure situations. His 124 wickets in this phase further solidified his reputation as one of the best finishers with the ball in T20 cricket.
Afghan Stars Shine in Global Leagues
Afghanistan’s presence in international franchise cricket continues to grow. Cricket analyst Jaafar Haand highlighted another significant Afghan achievement, noting on Facebook that two Afghan-led teams have reached major T20 league finals:
- Rashid Khan’s MI Cape Town will play in the SA20 final on Sunday.
- Gulbadin Naib’s impressive performances have helped Dubai Capitals reach the final of the International T20 League on Saturday.
Haand also praised Naib’s consistency, calling this season “one of his best” and expressing hopes that he will carry his form into the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Rashid Khan’s Global Impact on T20 Leagues
Rashid Khan has been a dominant force in global T20 leagues. His record in franchise cricket is unmatched:
- Indian Premier League (IPL): 149 wickets, one of the best economy rates in the league’s history.
- Big Bash League (BBL): Leading overseas wicket-taker with 98 dismissals.
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL): 29 wickets with an excellent economy rate.
- Pakistan Super League (PSL): 44 wickets, regularly a match-winner for his teams.
- SA20: Key performer in South Africa’s newest premier T20 league.
His success in these leagues showcases his adaptability across different conditions, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest T20 bowlers in history.
What’s Next for Rashid Khan?
At just 26 years old, Rashid Khan has the potential to extend his record further. His career trajectory suggests that he could remain the leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket for years to come. With major tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup and franchise leagues ahead, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await his next chapter.
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan’s achievement is more than just a cricketing milestone—it is a symbol of resilience and excellence on the global stage.
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