Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan once again underlined his reputation as one of the most effective bowlers in franchise cricket with a superb five-wicket haul in The Hundred, while also sharing an emotional milestone with his young family.
Playing for MI London against Manchester Super Giants at The Oval on Sunday, 2 August, Rashid produced the best bowling figures of his career in the 100-ball competition. His spell of five wickets for just 17 runs from 20 balls helped MI London dismiss their opponents for 138 with five balls still remaining, securing a convincing 45-run victory.
The performance was particularly significant because it was Rashid’s first five-wicket haul in The Hundred. It also made him the first bowler to claim five wickets in the current edition of the competition. His outstanding contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
MI London had laid the foundation for victory with a commanding total of 183 for six from their 100 deliveries. England batter Will Jacks played an important role with a 62-run innings, while West Indies international Nicholas Pooran added 54. Their contributions ensured that MI London posted a challenging target and placed considerable pressure on the Manchester Super Giants batting line-up.
The response from Manchester Super Giants never gathered momentum. MI London’s bowlers maintained a disciplined attack and continued to take wickets at regular intervals. Rashid then delivered the decisive blow, ripping through the opposition with his trademark leg-spin and variations.
His five-wicket performance surpassed his previous best in The Hundred, which came in 2024 when he took four wickets for 24 runs for Trent Rockets against London Spirit. Rashid had also been named Player of the Match on that occasion, but his latest display was even more impressive, both in terms of wickets and economy.
Rashid’s impact on franchise cricket has been built on his ability to combine attacking intent with remarkable control. His leg-breaks, googlies and deceptively quick deliveries have made him a formidable opponent across the world’s leading short-format competitions. The latest performance at The Oval added another memorable chapter to that record.
Yet the occasion carried a meaning beyond statistics and individual awards. Rashid’s three-month-old son, Azlan, was present at The Oval to watch his father play for the first time. Although the infant was far too young to understand the significance of the match, his presence gave the Afghanistan international an especially personal connection to a memorable day.
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Rashid shared a photograph of himself holding his son. Azlan was pictured wearing a shirt bearing his name, adding to the sentimental nature of the moment.
In an emotional message accompanying the photograph, Rashid described the day as one he would remember for the rest of his life. He reflected on the significance of his son watching him play for the first time on the same day that he produced a match-winning performance.
Rashid also referred to Azlan as his biggest supporter, the greatest blessing in his life and a symbol of good fortune. The message quickly resonated with supporters, offering a glimpse into the personal side of a cricketer more commonly celebrated for his achievements on the field.
For Rashid, therefore, the match represented far more than a career-best performance in The Hundred. It was a day when professional achievement and a deeply personal family moment came together. A five-wicket haul, a Player of the Match award and his young son watching from the stands made the occasion one that the Afghanistan star is unlikely to forget.
The victory also strengthened MI London’s position in the competition, while Rashid’s performance served as another reminder of the influence he can have in the shortest formats of the game. At The Oval, his bowling dismantled Manchester Super Giants. Away from the scorecard, however, it was the sight of his son watching him play for the first time that gave the day its most enduring significance.
