Rashid Khan becomes first bowler with 200 men's T20I wickets

Rashid Khan has made a habit of rewriting records, and the Afghanistan leg-spinner has now reached a milestone no bowler in men's T20I cricket has managed before. The 28-year-old became the first to claim 200 wickets in the format during Afghanistan's second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Rashid needed just one wicket to reach the landmark and got there by dismissing Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani, who was trapped lbw for two while chasing 222. It was another reminder of the Afghan's remarkable consistency in a format where batters usually call the shots.A HISTORY-MAKING MOMENT! WICKET NO. 200 IN T20I CRICKET! @rashidkhan_19 etches his name in the history books and becomes the first-ever player in the world to reach 200 wickets in men’s T20I cricket! #AfghanAtalan | #AFGvZIM | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam https://t.co/GZiDGEv9n2— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 29, 2026

The milestone came in Rashid's 120th T20I appearance and extended his lead at the top of the all-time wicket-takers' list. He had already become the leading wicket-taker in men's T20Is in September 2025, overtaking New Zealand's Tim Southee. Earlier this year, he also crossed the 700-wicket mark in overall T20 cricket.

Since making his international debut against Zimbabwe in October 2015, Rashid has turned himself into one of the most feared bowlers in the shortest format. England's Adil Rashid is his closest challenger on the international list, but the gap between the two is already substantial.

Most wickets in men's T20IsRashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 200 wickets in 120 matches, average 13.96, economy 6.13Adil Rashid (England) – 171 wickets in 153 matches, average 23.42, economy 7.56Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong) – 165 wickets in 119 matches, average 15.38, economy 6.11Ish Sodhi (New Zealand) – 165 wickets in 142 matches, average 23.01, economy 8.16Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 164 wickets in 126 matches, average 22.38, economy 8.00

There is plenty more to Rashid's numbers than just the 200-wicket milestone. He has taken 150 wickets in Asia, the most by any bowler in the continent, including 79 in the UAE. He also holds the record for the most wickets against a single opponent in men's T20Is, having dismissed Ireland batters 45 times.

Zimbabwe have also found him difficult to handle. Rashid has taken 38 wickets against them, including removing Ryan Burl seven times, the most dismissals of a batter by a bowler in men's T20Is. Only Jersey's Charles Perchard has dismissed an individual batter more often, having sent Guernsey's Matthew Stokes back to the pavilion eight times.

Rashid's impact has been particularly pronounced in the middle and death overs. Of his 200 wickets, 142 have come between overs seven and 16, while another 56 have arrived in the final four overs. He has taken just two wickets in the powerplay, having bowled only 102 deliveries during that phase. He has also claimed four or more wickets in an innings on 11 occasions, two more than any other bowler.AFGHANISTAN COMPLETE THRILLING WIN

Rashid's landmark was part of a memorable night for Afghanistan, who bounced back from a disastrous start to post 221/7. Azmatullah Omarzai produced a stunning rescue act, smashing 116 off 50 balls, including five fours and 12 sixes, after Afghanistan had slumped to 5/4.

He combined with Ijaz Ahmadzai for a 142-run sixth-wicket partnership off just 59 deliveries, with the latter contributing 52 off 27 balls. Rashid then provided a late flourish, hammering an unbeaten 25 off just six deliveries.

Zimbabwe fought hard in the chase, with captain Sikandar Raza smashing his second T20I century. However, his efforts were not enough as the visitors finished 19 runs short. Afghanistan's victory also secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, extending their winning run against Zimbabwe to eight consecutive T20I series.- Ends