-(1).jpeg?ssl=1 "Rashid Khan Makes History as First Bowler to Reach 200 T20I Wickets")
At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan secured a 19‑run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I, with Rashid Khan becoming the first bowler to claim 200 wickets in men’s T20 Internationals. The landmark moment came when Khan dismissed Zimbabwe’s wicket‑keeper‑batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani for two runs, an achievement that arrived in his 120th T20I appearance.
The Afghan leg‑spinner’s feat places him in an exclusive category. Khan made his T20I debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, and it was fitting that the same opponents were present when he reached the double‑century milestone.
Afghanistan’s innings was a high‑scoring affair. After losing five wickets for just 38 runs, Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai forged a 142‑run partnership for the sixth wicket. Omarzai dominated with an unbeaten 116 off 50 balls, supported by five fours and twelve sixes, while Ijaz contributed a brisk 52 off 27 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Khan added a late flourish of 25 not out from six deliveries, hitting four sixes, helping Afghanistan finish on 221 for 7 and set Zimbabwe a target of 222 runs.
Zimbabwe mounted a spirited chase. Kundai Matigimu and Brad Evans each claimed two wickets, while Sikandar Raza, Ernest Masuku and Vincent Masekesa took one apiece. Raza led the effort with an unbeaten 102 off 56 balls, but his innings could not prevent the loss.
How Did Rashid Khan Reach the 200‑Wicket Mark?
Rashid Khan’s path to 200 T20I wickets has been defined by consistency over more than a decade. Debuting in 2015 against Zimbabwe, he has become Afghanistan’s premier strike bowler in the shortest format. His average of 11.05 with the ball reflects a sustained ability to take wickets, ranking him among the finest in T20I history. The dismissal of Marumani during Zimbabwe’s run chase sealed the historic moment at Sharjah, where Khan finished with figures of 1 for 29 off four overs.
Where Does Rashid Khan’s Record Stand Among T20I Bowlers?
Prior to Khan’s achievement in October 2026, no bowler had reached 200 wickets in men’s T20Is. The closest competitor is England’s Adil Rashid, who has taken 171 wickets in 153 matches, leaving a 29‑wicket gap. Khan reached the milestone in 30 fewer appearances than Rashid, underscoring his exceptional strike rate.
The third match of the series is scheduled for November 1 in Sharjah. Afghanistan holds an unassailable 2‑0 lead and will aim to complete a whitewash.