How Did Rashid Khan Become the First Bowler to Take 200 T20I Wickets?

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I: Rashid Khan has broken another record. The Afghanistan leg-spinner is now the first bowler in men's T20I cricket to take 200 wickets. He reached this milestone at 28 years old during Afghanistan's second T20I against Zimbabwe at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. He needed just one wicket and got it by trapping Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani lbw for two runs as Zimbabwe chased 222.

Rashid Khan 200 T20I Wickets | Afghan Cricketer Proves His Worth as Format’s Top Wicket Taker

Rashid achievement shows Afghanistan's steady performance in a format usually dominated by batters. Rashid reached 200 wickets in his 120th T20I, further proving his place as the format's top wicket-taker. He became the leading wicket-taker in men's T20Is in September 2025, passing New Zealand's Tim Southee.

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Rashid Khan T20 International Record

Rashid Khan 200 T20I wickets: Earlier this year, he also crossed 700 wickets in all T20 cricket. Since making his international debut against Zimbabwe in October 2015, Rashid has become one of the most respected T20 bowlers. England's Adil Rashid is next on the list, but Rashid Khan has a strong lead.

He has taken 150 wickets in Asia, more than any other bowler on the continent, with 79 of those in the UAE. He also holds the record for the most wickets against a single opponent in men's T20Is, dismissing the Irish. Zimbabwe have also struggled against Rashid.

Rashid Khan First Bowler to Take 200 Wickets

Rashid Khan 200 T20I wickets: He has taken 38 wickets against them and dismissed Ryan Burl seven times; the most times a bowler has dismissed a batter in men's T20Is. Only Jersey's Charles Perchard has done it more, sending Guernsey's Matthew Stokes back. Rashid has been especially effective in the middle and death overs.

Out of his 200 wickets, 142 came between overs seven and 16, and 56 more in the last four overs. He took only two wickets in the powerplay, having bowled just 102 balls. He has taken four or more wickets in an innings 11 times, two more than any other bowler.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Match Result | Key Points

Rashid Khan 200 T20I wickets: Rashid reached his milestone on a memorable night for Afghanistan, who bounced back from a poor start to score 221 for 7. Azmatullah Omarzai led the comeback, scoring 116 off 50 balls with five fours and 12 sixes after Afghanistan had dropped to 5 for 4. Ahmadzai added 52 off 27 balls.

Rashid finished with a quick unbeaten 25 from only six balls. Zimbabwe fought hard in their chase, with captain Sikandar Raza scoring his second T20I century. But Zimbabwe finished 19 runs short. Afghanistan's win gave them a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and extended their winning streak against Zimbabwe to eight T20I series in a row.

Rashid Khan Tops with Most Wickets in Men’s T201

PLAYER	COUNTRY	WICKETS	MATCHES	AVERAGE	ECONOMY
Rashid Khan	Afghanistan	200	120	13.96	6.13
Adil Rashid	England	171	153	23.42	7.56
Ehsan Khan	Hong Kong	165	119	15.38	6.11
Ish Sodhi	New Zealand	165	142	23.01	8.16
Tim Southee	New Zealand	164	126	22.38	8.00

Facts About Rashid Khan | Brief Overview

Name	Rashid Khan
Full Name	Rashid Khan Arman
Role	Captain of Afghanistan National Team
Format	T201
Known for	One of the best white-ball cricketers
Playing Style	Right-arm leg spin bowlers & hard hitter lower order batsman
Milestone	First bowler to achieve 200 wickets in Men's T20 Internationals
Skills	Quick arm action, deceptive googly, and accurate line
Honours	ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Decade (2011 -2020) & ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year (2017)

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