Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken another giant step in his career by surpassing Jasprit Bumrah to become the leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket. The milestone came during Pakistan’s 39-run victory over Afghanistan in the opening game of the tri-nation T20 series in Sharjah on August 29, 2025. Afridi’s two wickets on the night pushed his tally to 314 wickets in 225 matches, nudging past Bumrah’s 313 from 245 outings. For Pakistan, the triumph was not just about winning a match but also about their spearhead etching his name ahead of one of the finest bowlers of the modern era.
Afridi dismissed Afghanistan’s opener Ibrahim Zadran and later cleaned up Mujeeb Ur Rahman to achieve the record. These wickets proved timely as Afghanistan collapsed from a promising 92 for 2 to 97 for 7 within just a few overs. The left-arm quick once again showed why he is Pakistan’s most reliable option in the shortest format—aggressive in the powerplay, intelligent in the middle overs, and dangerous at the death. His ability to swing the new ball and then adapt to slower conditions has made him a complete package.
What makes this milestone even more significant is the efficiency with which Afridi has reached it. Bumrah needed 245 games to collect his 313 scalps, while Afridi overtook him in just 225. That difference highlights the consistency and strike-rate Afridi has managed to maintain across leagues and international cricket. At just 25 years of age, he now has more wickets than a bowler widely regarded as one of the finest T20 operators ever.
The comparison between the two remains intriguing. Bumrah’s strength has always been his economy rate, often suffocating batters in high-pressure situations. Afridi, on the other hand, has leaned more towards being a wicket-taker, especially in crucial phases like the opening overs and the death. Numbers show that while Bumrah is slightly more economical, Afridi has the better strike rate in the closing stages of innings. For captains, that difference can be defining: Bumrah contains, Afridi destroys.
This achievement also underlines the depth and tradition of Pakistan’s fast-bowling pipeline. From Wasim Akram to Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan has never lacked pace legends. Afridi’s rise ensures that the legacy continues in modern T20 cricket, where pace and guile still remain match-winning assets despite batting-friendly conditions. His record is also a message to global franchises that he is among the most bankable T20 performers in the world.
For Pakistan, Afridi’s dominance provides stability in an otherwise fluctuating team environment. With youngsters around him still finding their footing, his experience and leadership with the ball remain crucial. His ability to pick up wickets early often sets the tone, and this consistency is precisely what separates him from many of his peers.
Shaheen Afridi’s latest milestone is more than just a statistical triumph. It is a statement of intent, proof of his hunger, and a warning to opposition batters that he is still only getting better. Surpassing Bumrah is one thing; building a legacy that holds firm over the next decade is the real challenge. Given the way he is progressing, Afridi looks more than ready to take it on.
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