Afghanistan superstar Rashid Khan has climbed to the top of the men’s T20I wicket-takers list after a match-winning spell against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah. The leg-spinner took 3 for 11 in Afghanistan’s 38-run win, overtaking Tim Southee to reach 165 wickets in just his 98th match. Well, it was only a matter of time for Rashid to be at the top of the mountain in T20Is!
Rashid’s spell dismantled the UAE middle order, with his final scalp taking him past Southee’s tally of 164 wickets. His achievement is massive. With an economy rate of just 6.07 and a bowling average of 13.75, Rashid stands out as one of the most effective bowlers in the history of the format.
Most T20I wickets ft. Rashid Khan
| Player | Matches | Wickets | BBI | Average | Economy | SR | 5s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (AFG/ICC) | 98 | 165 | 5/3 | 13.75 | 6.07 | 13.57 | 8 |
| Tim Southee (NZ) | 126 | 164 | 5/18 | 22.38 | 8.00 | 16.78 | 2 |
| Ish Sodhi (NZ) | 126 | 150 | 4/12 | 22.52 | 7.95 | 16.99 | – |
| Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 129 | 149 | 5/20 | 20.91 | 6.81 | 18.42 | 2 |
| Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) | 113 | 142 | 6/10 | 20.84 | 7.30 | 17.11 | 2 |
Rashid’s rise has been remarkable not only for the sheer number of wickets but also the speed with which he has reached the landmark. He is the fastest to 100 and 150 wickets in T20Is, and no bowler with 100 or more scalps has a better economy rate. Rashid is also the highest wicket-taker in professional T20 cricket, with an impressive tally of 664 wickets from 489 matches.
For India, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is currently the leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 99 wickets. Still only 26, Arshdeep has been a consistent performer with the new ball and at the death. He now stands on the brink of becoming the first Indian pacer to enter the 100-wicket club in T20Is.
