Rashid Khan makes history as first bowler to reach 200 T20I wickets

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has cemented his status as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the shortest format, becoming the first player to reach 200 wickets in men's T20 Internationals. The milestone was achieved during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, further distancing the star bowler from his peers on the all-time list.

The historic wicket arrived when Rashid dismissed Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani, who managed only two runs. This achievement adds another chapter to a career that began against the same opposition in October 2015. Rashid had previously claimed the top spot on the all-time wicket-takers' chart in September 2025, surpassing New Zealand's Tim Southee during a tri-series encounter against the UAE.

Rashid contributed to the late-innings surge with an unbeaten 25 off only six balls, helping Afghanistan reach a total of 221/7. Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu who both took two wickets, struggled to contain the late onslaught. Despite a valiant effort from Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, who scored a century, the visitors ultimately fell 19 runs short of the target. The result marks Afghanistan's eighth consecutive T20I series victory over Zimbabwe, maintaining their dominance in the head-to-head rivalry.