Afghanistan’s captain and world-renowned leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, has etched his name into cricketing history by becoming the first bowler to claim 700 wickets in Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket. He achieved this remarkable milestone during Afghanistan’s encounter with the United Arab Emirates in the 2026 T20 World Cup, delivering a moment that cricket enthusiasts will long remember.
The historic wicket came at the Delhi stadium during the 16th over, when Rashid dismissed Mohammad Irfan. Entering the match with 699 wickets to his name, Rashid finally reached the 700-wicket mark after the game remained wicketless for the first 3.2 overs. Irfan fell while attempting a reverse sweep, misjudging the delivery and accidentally breaking his own stumps, finishing with 17 runs conceded off 20 balls.
Reflecting on the milestone, Rashid stated,
“700 wickets is just a number. I do not intend to stop here. I always give my best for the team whenever needed.”
Despite the personal achievement, Rashid remained focused on the team’s objectives. Afghanistan’s primary goal was to secure victory and confirm a spot in the Super Eight, highlighting his team-first mentality.
Rashid’s consistency has always set him apart in T20 cricket. His unparalleled record reflects sustained excellence over the years, making him one of the most formidable wicket-takers in the format.
The table below highlights the leading T20I wicket-takers worldwide:
| Position | Player | Total T20I Wickets | Country | Wickets for Afghanistan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashid Khan | 700 | Afghanistan | 191 |
| 2 | Dwayne Bravo (Retired) | 631 | West Indies | – |
| 3 | Sunil Narine | 613 | West Indies | – |
| 4 | Tim Southee | 516 | New Zealand | 164 |
| 5 | Ish Sodhi | 500 | New Zealand | 162 |
Of Rashid’s 700 wickets, 191 have come while representing Afghanistan, cementing his status as the country’s leading T20I bowler in history. This achievement is not merely a personal milestone; it also marks a shining chapter in Afghanistan’s cricketing legacy.
Prior to the World Cup, Rashid had emphasised his commitment to giving 100 per cent for the team, a philosophy that makes his accomplishments all the more significant. His record now sets a new benchmark for bowling in T20 cricket, inspiring both fans and aspiring cricketers alike.
Rashid Khan’s enduring success continues to elevate Afghan cricket on the global stage, bringing renewed pride and enthusiasm to fans across the country and beyond.