Rashid Khan Creates History: Becomes First Bowler to Take 200 T20I Wickets

Afghanistan’s premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan has reached an unprecedented milestone in international cricket, becoming the first bowler in history to claim 200 wickets in Men’s T20 Internationals (T20Is). The 28-year-old achieved the historic feat on Thursday, October 29, during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, dismissing opening batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani.

Rashid, who made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in October 2015, had already become the format’s highest wicket-taker in September 2025 by surpassing New Zealand veteran Tim Southee. Crossing the 200-wicket mark further cements his place at the summit of modern spin bowling. England leg-spinner Adil Rashid sits in second place on the all-time list with 171 wickets.

Record-Breaking 6th-Wicket Partnership

The match also featured record-breaking batting performances for Afghanistan:

• All-Time 6th-Wicket Record: Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai forged a blistering 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket, setting a new world record in T20I cricket. They surpassed the previous record of 139 runs established by West Indies duo Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford.
• National Milestone: The stand also represents Afghanistan’s highest partnership for any wicket in T20I history, eclipsing the previous best of 86 runs shared by Mohammad Nabi and Ibrahim Zadran.

Match Summary: High-Scoring Thriller in Sharjah

Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 221 for 7, propelled by Omarzai’s sensational century off just 50 deliveries and Ahmadzai’s brisk half-century.

In reply, Zimbabwe made a steady start through openers Brian Bennett and Innocent Kaia, adding 39 runs before losing five wickets for 84. Despite a valiant fightback led by captain Sikandar Raza—who struck an unbeaten 106 and stitched an unbroken 120-run partnership with Tafadzwa Tsiga (31*)—Zimbabwe fell short, concluding their chase at 202 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.