Rashid Khan became the first men’s T20 International bowler to reach 200 wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium during Afghanistan’s 19-run win over Zimbabwe in the second T20I. Rashid created history in his 120th T20I match, dismissing Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani for two runs.
Rashid Khan‘s feat places him in a distinct category. It makes sense that the leg-spinner’s astounding double century of wickets came against the same opponents when he made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2015.
Afghanistan earned many points throughout the contest. Before Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai came together to preserve the batting with a 142-run stand for the sixth wicket, the side struggled early on, losing five wickets for 38 runs. Omarzai dominated the innings, scoring 116 from 50 balls, including 12 sixes and five fours.
Ijaz smashed three sixes and five fours in his fast 52 from 27 deliveries. Rashid Khan’s late burst of 25 not out off just 6 balls, including 4 sixes, helped Afghanistan post 221 for 7 in their 20 overs, giving Zimbabwe a target of 222 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowling assault had one wicket each from Sikandar Raza, Ernest Masuku, and Vincent Masekesa, with Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu taking two.
Despite the massive score, Zimbabwe fought valiantly and won the game. Captain Raza led the charge, scoring a stunning, undefeated 102 off 56 balls, but his efforts were eventually useless.
How did Rashid Khan go to 200 wickets?
Rashid Khan’s route to 200 T20I wickets has been one of steady brilliance across more than ten years of international cricket. Since his debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2015, he has emerged as Afghanistan’s most potent bowling weapon in the shortest format. He has taken wickets consistently throughout his career, as indicated by his T20 International bowling average of 11.05, which is among the highest in the format’s history.
Rashid Khan bowled Marumani during Zimbabwe’s chase, cementing the historic moment at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which has hosted many Afghan home matches over the years. He finished the match with 1 for 29 in four overs, but it was his only wicket.
How many T20I wickets has Rashid Khan taken?
In October 2026, Rashid Khan became the first bowler in men’s T20 International history to reach 200 wickets. England’s Adil Rashid is the closest rival on the list, with 171 wickets from 153 games, a 29-wicket difference. Adil Rashid Khan’s rate of wicket-taking throughout his career is evidenced by the fact that the Afghanistan spinner reached his milestone in 30 less outings than Rashid.
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On November 1, the third Twenty20 International will be held in Sharjah. With an insurmountable 2-0 series lead, the Afghan team will attempt to complete a sweep.
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