Rashid Khan Becomes Top Wicket-Taker in Men T20Is as Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan made history on Monday night, becoming the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20 internationals during his team’s 38-run victory over the UAE in Sharjah.

Rashid’s Match-Winning Spell

Rashid once again led Afghanistan’s bowling attack, dismantling the UAE middle order with figures of 3 wickets for 11 runs in 4 overs. His performance not only helped secure the win but also pushed him past New Zealand’s Tim Southee to reach 165 T20I wickets, setting a new record in men’s cricket.

Key moments included:

• Removing Ethan D’Souza for 12 early on

• Striking Asif Khan for 1, leveling with Southee

• Claiming the record-breaking wicket of Dhruv Parashar off the last ball of his spell, caught by Mohammad Ishaq

Teaming up with Sharafuddin Ashraf, who dismissed top scorer Muhammad Waseem (67), Rashid ensured that the UAE lost momentum at a crucial stage.

Afghanistan’s Batting Heroics

Before Rashid’s brilliant bowling, Afghanistan set a competitive total of 188 runs, thanks to strong partnerships and big hitting:

• Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal laid the foundation with an 84-run stand

• Later, Karim Janat and Azmatullah Omarzai—the 2024 ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year—added 49 runs in just three overs, giving the innings a powerful finish

UAE’s Response

Despite a fighting 52 not out from Rahul Chopra, the UAE were unable to build partnerships as Rashid and the Afghan bowlers applied relentless pressure. This defeat marked Afghanistan’s first win in the ongoing tri-series, following a 39-run loss to Pakistan in the opening match.

All-Time Top T20I Wicket-Takers

Rashid’s record-breaking feat cements his status as one of the greatest T20 bowlers of this era, showing that Afghanistan is producing world-class talent capable of dominating on the international stage.