Afghanistan’s charismatic captain Rashid Khan has once again etched his name into the record books by becoming the leading wicket-taker in T20 International (T20I) cricket, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee. The leg-spinner reached this milestone on September 1, 2025, during the ongoing tri-series clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah, where he delivered a brilliant three-wicket spell that changed the course of the match in his team’s favour.

Rashid Khan, who has long been hailed as one of the most impactful bowlers in modern-day cricket, needed just four wickets to go past Southee’s tally of 164. He picked up one wicket against Pakistan in the tournament opener and then dismantled UAE with three crucial strikes, taking his tally to 165 wickets in 98 innings. This achievement further cements Rashid’s status as one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time, considering he is already the leading wicket-taker in all of T20 cricket combined, across international and franchise leagues, with an astonishing 664 wickets.

Rashid Khan’s Record in Numbers

The milestone is a testament to Rashid’s consistency and dominance across the shortest format. His tally now stands at 165 wickets, with Southee behind him at 164, followed by Ish Sodhi (150), Shakib Al Hasan (149), and Mustafizur Rahman (142). Rashid’s strike rate, economy, and match-winning spells have been key to Afghanistan’s growth on the international stage. Unlike some other bowlers who have taken longer to reach similar numbers, Rashid achieved this feat in significantly fewer matches, showcasing his effectiveness against top-level batters across conditions.

Afghanistan’s Comeback in the Tri-Series

For Afghanistan, the victory over UAE was not just about Rashid’s record but also about bouncing back in the tri-series after a disappointing opening defeat against Pakistan. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 188 runs on the board, courtesy of half-centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran. Their steady starts laid the foundation, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat provided late fireworks, scoring 43 runs off just 22 balls combined to push the total beyond UAE’s reach.

With the ball, Afghanistan executed their plans brilliantly. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Sharafuddin Ashraf gave the team early breakthroughs, paving the way for Rashid Khan to choke the middle order with his variations. Despite UAE captain Muhammad Waseem and batter Rahul Chopra scoring fighting half-centuries, the side collapsed under pressure, falling short of the chase and conceding their second consecutive defeat in the tri-series.

Impact of Rashid Khan’s Leadership

As captain, Rashid has continued to inspire his team with his relentless spirit and match-winning ability. Beyond his bowling numbers, his presence on the field adds confidence to Afghanistan’s younger players, who are steadily improving in international cricket. This win was crucial for Afghanistan, as it not only restored their momentum in the series but also reaffirmed their status as a dangerous T20 side that can upset bigger teams.

Rashid Khan’s Legacy in T20 Cricket

Rashid Khan’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From making his debut as a teenage prodigy to becoming the face of Afghanistan cricket, Rashid has consistently delivered under pressure. His ability to control runs, pick wickets at crucial stages, and adapt to conditions worldwide makes him an invaluable asset to any team he represents.

In global T20 leagues, Rashid has dominated with franchise teams, earning accolades in the IPL, Big Bash League, CPL, and The Hundred. Now, with this international record, he has consolidated his position as not just Afghanistan’s finest cricketer but also one of the all-time greats of T20 cricket.

The Road Ahead in the Tri-Series

With this victory, Afghanistan has opened its account in the tri-series, gaining vital confidence ahead of the remaining matches. Rashid’s record-breaking spell will undoubtedly boost team morale as they prepare for tougher contests, particularly another potential showdown against Pakistan. For UAE, however, the loss highlighted the need for greater middle-order resilience, as their inability to capitalize on strong starts continues to cost them games.

Conclusion

Rashid Khan’s achievement of becoming the leading wicket-taker in T20Is is more than just a statistical record—it is a reflection of his unwavering commitment, skill, and influence in the shortest format of the game. For Afghanistan, the moment is historic, as their captain continues to raise the nation’s cricketing profile on the global stage. As the tri-series progresses, Rashid’s leadership and bowling mastery will be central to Afghanistan’s chances, while the cricketing world watches him scale new heights.

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