Shadab Khan surpasses Shahid Afridi’s record in T20 cricket

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan, representing Sydney Thunder in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15, has overtaken former captain Shahid Afridi’s T20 cricket record during Monday’s match against Brisbane Heat at Manuka Oval.

Shadab produced a match-winning spell, claiming 4 wickets for 24 runs in his four overs, and surpassed Afridi to become the fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket for Pakistan. 

Afridi took 347 wickets in 329 T20 matches, while Shadab now has 351 wickets in 325 games at an economy rate of 7.58.

Left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz currently leads Pakistan’s T20 wicket tally with 413 wickets in 348 matches, while the all-time leading wicket-taker in the format is Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan with 685 wickets in 504 games.

Most Wickets in T20 Cricket by Pakistan Bowlers:

• Wahab Riaz – 413 wickets
• Mohammad Amir – 409 wickets
• Sohail Tanvir – 389 wickets
• Imad Wasim – 377 wickets
• Shadab Khan – 351 wickets
• Shahid Afridi – 347 wickets

Shadab’s performance helped Sydney Thunder secure their first victory of BBL 15, defeating Brisbane Heat by 34 runs. 

Batting first, Thunder got off to a strong start as openers Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes stitched together a century partnership, setting up a competitive total of 193-4 in 20 overs.

Konstas scored a crucial 63 off 45 balls, including eight fours, while Gilkes top-scored with a fluent 76 off 48 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and three sixes.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings added a quick 25 off 11 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Captain David Warner, however, fell cheaply for seven.

For Brisbane Heat, Shaheen Afridi returned 1/35 in four overs. Jack Wildermuth and Matthew Kuhnemann picked up two and one wickets respectively.

In response, Heat were restricted to 159-6, with none of their batters reaching a half-century, largely due to Shadab’s brilliant leg-spin. 

He dismantled the top order, claiming the key wickets of Colin Munro (18), Jack Wildermuth (14), and Matt Renshaw (43). 

Hugh Weibgen made 30 off 26 balls and Max Bryant contributed 25 off 18, but the rest of the lineup failed to offer resistance.

Shadab finished as the standout performer with figures of 4/24, while Daniel Sams contributed two wickets to seal a comprehensive win for Sydney Thunder.