Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan has added another milestone to his illustrious career by becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 Asia Cup history. The leg-spinner achieved the feat during Afghanistan’s group match against Bangladesh, where he took two crucial wickets that turned the tide of the innings. Rashid’s dismissals of Saif Hassan and Shamim Hossain were vintage examples of his guile — one bowled with a quicker googly and the other a classic leg-break that trapped the batter plumb in front.
With these two wickets, Rashid’s tally in T20 Asia Cup tournaments now stands at 14, moving him past India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who previously held the record with 13 wickets. Rashid reached the landmark in his 10th Asia Cup appearance, underlining not just his consistency but also his importance as Afghanistan’s go-to strike bowler across editions of the tournament.
His performance against Bangladesh was particularly impactful, as he came into the attack during a strong partnership and immediately slowed the scoring rate. The breakthroughs he delivered were pivotal in restricting Bangladesh to a manageable total and keeping Afghanistan in the hunt. Although Afghanistan’s batting later failed to capitalize and they fell short of the target, Rashid’s effort was a rare positive in an otherwise disappointing night for his team.
The achievement adds to Rashid’s already impressive T20 credentials. He is widely regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, with a proven record in leagues like the IPL, Big Bash, and PSL. This new record further cements his standing as a match-winner on the international stage. Analysts noted that Rashid’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has made him a cornerstone of Afghanistan cricket and a player who often single-handedly keeps them competitive against bigger teams.
While Rashid sits at the top of the wicket-takers’ chart for now, his position may still be challenged during the remainder of the tournament. Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Pakistan’s Shadab Khan are not far behind and could overtake him if they produce big performances in the coming games. Regardless, Rashid’s achievement is a proud moment for Afghanistan cricket, showcasing how far the team has come in becoming a respected force in international cricket.
For Rashid personally, the record is another reminder of his evolution from a teenage prodigy to one of the world’s premier T20 cricketers. Even as Afghanistan faces a tough road to qualify for the Super Four stage, Rashid’s feat ensures this Asia Cup will be remembered for at least one shining Afghan accomplishment.
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