Afghanistan superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan has become the first bowler in men’s T20 International cricket to take 200 wickets as he did so during Afghanistan’s second T20I against Zimbabwe at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 29, 2026.
Rashid made the milestone in his 120th T20I match and cemented his place as one of the greatest bowlers in the shortest format. He achieved it during a memorable match when Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 19 runs to go 2–0 up in the three-match series.
Rashid Khan Claims His 200th T20I Wicket
Rashid needed just one wicket before the match to reach the 200-wicket landmark and he achieved it by dismissing Zimbabwe wicketkeeper batter Tadiwanashe Marumani for two runs in the ninth over.
The batter was leg before wicket and Rashid got his 200th T20I scalp and a place in cricket history.
Rashid has taken 200 wickets in 120 matches at an average of 13.96 and economy rate of 6.13.
England’s Adil Rashid is second on the men’s T20I wicket-taking list with 171 wickets (29 behind Afghanistan’s star).
Rashid Khan becomes the first player in Men's T20 Internationals to reach 200 wickets 🙌 More 👉 https://t.co/mJeQNho903 https://t.co/8FSrNHdHQo
— ICC (@ICC) October 30, 2026
Afghanistan Star's Journey to 200 Wickets
Rashid has been one of Afghanistan’s most influential cricketers since making his international debut against Zimbabwe in October 2015.
His variations, control, googlies and ability to take wickets in crucial stages have made him a tough nut to crack for batters around the world.
Rashid previously became the leading wicket-taker in men's T20Is (September 2025) overtaking New Zealand's Tim Southee. He has also established himself as a major force in ODI cricket with 200 wickets in that format.
His latest success also underlines his consistency and importance to Afghanistan’s international cricket journey.
Azmatullah Omarzai's Century Powers Afghanistan
Rashid’s moment of glory came in an extraordinary team performance. Afghanistan were in big trouble after losing four wickets for just five runs batting first.
However Azmatullah Omarzai fought back brilliantly, scoring 116 runs off 50 balls. Ijaz Ahmadzai chipped in with 52 (27 balls) and the pair put on a record sixth wicket partnership of 142 runs.
Rashid also scored with the bat as he smashed an unbeaten 25 off just six balls as Afghanistan finished on 221/7.
Afghanistan Defeat Zimbabwe by 19 Runs
Zimbabwe fought back strongly in the chase and captain Sikandar Raza made an unbeaten 106 off 56 balls. Despite his century Zimbabwe only managed 202/5 in their 20 overs.
Afghanistan won by 19 runs to complete a 2–0 series lead with one match remaining.
Rashid’s 200th wicket made it even more special for Afghanistan and its cricket fans.
A New Benchmark in T20 International Cricket
To get 200 T20I wickets is a phenomenal achievement in a format where the batting is aggressive and scoring is high. Rashid’s record shows he can be effective across conditions and against some of the world’s strongest batting line-ups.
He is only 28 but he has already created an extraordinary legacy in international cricket. His latest achievement is another proud moment for Afghanistan which continues to make its presence felt on the global stage of cricket.
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