Rashid Khan enters record books! Afghanistan star becomes first bowler to achieve historic T20I feat

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan scripted history by becoming the first bowler to claim 200 wickets in men’s T20 Internationals during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Rashid reached the landmark by dismissing Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani, who scored just two runs while chasing a target of 222.

The 200-wicket milestone further extended Rashid’s lead at the top of the all-time T20I wicket-takers’ list. He made his international debut against Zimbabwe in October 2015 and became the format’s leading wicket-taker in September 2025, overtaking New Zealand’s Tim Southee during a tri-series match against the UAE in Sharjah.

Most wickets in men’s T20Is

Rashid’s achievement came on a memorable night for Afghanistan, who recovered from a disastrous start to post 221/7.

Omarzai’s record-breaking rescue act

Azmatullah Omarzai smashed 116 off 50 balls, including five fours and 12 sixes, after Afghanistan slumped to 5/4. He shared a 142-run sixth-wicket stand off 59 deliveries with Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, who contributed 52 off 27 balls.

Rashid added a late unbeaten 25 off six deliveries as Afghanistan finished with 221/7. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu claimed two wickets each.

Zimbabwe’s chase was led by captain Sikandar Raza, who scored his second T20I century, but the visitors fell 19 runs short. Raza received a warm embrace from Rashid after the match, with the two close friends having also shared a conversation before the contest.

A new opening combination of Brian Bennett and Takudzwanashe Kaia made a positive start, while debutant Tafadzwa Tsiga offered Raza support. However, Ryan Burl’s early dismissal hurt Zimbabwe’s chances of building momentum.

The victory extended Afghanistan’s dominance over Zimbabwe to eight successive T20I series wins.