Rashid Khan: T20 Cricket’s New Wicket King
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s celebrated wrist-spinner, has etched his name in cricket history, becoming the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket. The 26-year-old achieved this milestone during the SA20 Qualifier 1, where he bowled Dunith Wellalage of Paarl Royals to surpass Dwayne Bravo’s record of 631 wickets.
A Historic Achievement
“It’s a great achievement,” Rashid remarked after the game. “It’s a proud feeling to be from Afghanistan and to be at that level where you top the table. DJ [Bravo] is one of the best T20 bowlers. It’s a great honour, and I’m looking forward to continuing.”
Rashid’s meteoric rise is remarkable. Since his T20 debut in October 2015, he has become one of the most sought-after players in leagues across the globe. With 633 wickets in 461 matches at an average of 18.07, Rashid’s career-best figures of 6/17 highlight his dominance.
The Rashid Effect
Rashid’s success stems from his ability to bowl fast through the air, making it hard for batters to read his deliveries. His lethal combination of accuracy, sharp turn, and relentless pressure has made him one of the most feared bowlers in T20 cricket.
While he is known for his wicket-taking ability, Rashid’s priority has always been creating pressure. Speaking in an earlier interview, he stated, “If someone is going after me, I’m going to make it super hard for him… It’s more about making things harder and harder for the batter.”
All-Round Prowess
Beyond his bowling, Rashid has evolved into a formidable all-rounder. Known for his unconventional “snake shot”, Rashid can hit sixes at will. His all-round brilliance was on display during the IPL 2018 playoffs, where he smashed 34 off 10 balls, took 3 for 19, and grabbed two crucial catches to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory.
His impact is such that his current IPL team, Gujarat Titans, retained him for a staggering INR 15 crore (USD 1.8 million approx).
The Legends He Surpassed
Rashid now leads a prestigious list of T20 bowling legends:
- Rashid Khan: 633 wickets at 18.07 (Best: 6/17)
- Dwayne Bravo: 631 wickets at 24.40 (Best: 5/23)
- Sunil Narine: 574 wickets
- Imran Tahir: 531 wickets
- Shakib Al Hasan: 492 wickets
A Legacy in the Making
At just 26, Rashid Khan has already achieved what many cricketers can only dream of. His journey from a young Afghan spinner to the T20 cricket’s highest wicket-taker is a testament to his skill, dedication, and resilience. As he continues to dominate, Rashid Khan’s legacy is set to grow even further, inspiring cricket lovers worldwide.