Rashid Khan becomes first bowler to claim 200 wickets in men’s T20Is

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan became the first bowler to take 200 wickets in men’s T20 Internationals, achieving the milestone during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday.

Rashid reached the landmark by dismissing Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani, who scored two runs, as the visitors chased a target of 222. The wicket cemented the Afghanistan captain’s place in the record books in the shortest format of international cricket.

The achievement adds to Rashid’s standing as one of the leading bowlers in T20 cricket, with his leg-spin and variations making him a key part of Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Omarzai leads Afghanistan’s recovery with a century

Earlier, Azmatullah Omarzai produced a blistering innings of 116 off just 50 deliveries to help Afghanistan recover from a dramatic top-order collapse and post 221 for seven at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Omarzai struck five fours and 12 sixes at a strike rate of 232.00 after Afghanistan had slumped to 38 for five. His innings turned the contest around and gave the hosts a formidable total to defend.

Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai provided crucial support with 52 off 27 balls, including five fours and three sixes. The pair added 142 runs off 59 deliveries for the sixth wicket, rebuilding the innings after Zimbabwe’s bowlers had put Afghanistan under pressure.

Late flourish lifts Afghanistan past 220

Ijaz was dismissed when the total reached 180, but Omarzai continued his aggressive approach before falling for 116 in the 19th over. Rashid then supplied a late burst, smashing an unbeaten 25 off just six balls, including four sixes. Mujeeb Ur Rahman remained not out on two as Afghanistan finished at 221 for seven.

For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu claimed two wickets each, while Vincent Masekesa, Ernest Masuku and Sikandar Raza took one wicket apiece.

Zimbabwe faced a challenging chase of 222, with Rashid’s historic dismissal of Marumani adding another milestone to a match marked by Omarzai’s century and Afghanistan’s recovery with the bat.