Rashid Khan becomes leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket
The 26-year-old MI Cape Town bowler claimed his 632nd wicket during the SA20 Qualifier 1 match against Paarl Royals on Tuesday, overtaking Bravo’s tally of 631.
Afghanistan's spin maestro Rashid Khan has ascended to the pinnacle of wicket-taking in all T20 cricket, surpassing Dwayne Bravo's long-standing record.
The 26-year-old MI Cape Town bowler claimed his 632nd wicket during the SA20 Qualifier 1 match against Paarl Royals on Tuesday, overtaking Bravo's tally of 631.
Rashid achieved this historic milestone by dismissing Dunith Wellalage in the crucial fixture. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed his pride and gratitude.
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"It's a great achievement," Rashid remarked in a post-match interview with the host broadcaster after his team's victory. "If you had asked me ten years ago whether I would reach this point, I wouldn't have imagined it. It's a proud moment to be from Afghanistan and to be at this level, topping the table. DJ [Bravo] is one of the best T20 bowlers, and it's an honour to surpass him. I look forward to continuing."
In the match, Rashid took two wickets for 34 runs, further cementing his status as one of the format's premier bowlers.
Of his vast tally, 161 wickets have come while representing Afghanistan, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, just three behind retired New Zealand pacer Tim Southee. Rashid also holds the record for being the fastest bowler to 100 T20I wickets, achieving the feat in just 53 matches in 2021.
With a remarkable career economy rate of 6.49, Rashid ranks second among all T20 bowlers with at least 250 wickets, trailing only Sunil Narine (6.12). His wickets have come at a strike rate of under 17, and he boasts five five-wicket hauls, including career-best figures of 6 for 17.
Having made his T20 debut as a teenager in October 2015, Rashid is now approaching the 500-match milestone. A highly sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide, he has lifted both IPL and PSL titles. His impact has been particularly notable in the Big Bash League, where he became a fan favourite during his 69-match stint with the Adelaide Strikers, the team for whom he recorded his career-best figures.
