Rashid Khan scripts history; Creates unforgettable record in T20Is

Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan achieved a historic milestone by becoming the leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals as he guided his team to a 38-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah on Monday. The 26-year-old claimed figures of 3/21, helping restrict UAE to 150/8 in their chase of 189, while surpassing New Zealand's Tim Southee's record of 164 T20I wickets.Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 188/4 after being put in to bat, with Ibrahim Zadran scoring a quick-fire 63 off 40 balls and Sediqullah Atal contributing his maiden T20I fifty with 54 runs from 40 deliveries. The pair established a crucial 84-run partnership for the second wicket.UAE captain Muhammad Waseem provided early resistance in the chase with an aggressive 67 off 37 balls, including six sixes and four boundaries, marking his 23rd T20I half-century. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse in the UAE innings.Rashid Khan's record-breaking performance came as he dismissed Ethan D'Souza (12), Asif Khan (1), and Dhruv Parashar (1) in quick succession. His three-wicket haul took his career tally to 165 wickets in 98 T20Is, overtaking Southee's previous record of 164 wickets in 126 matches.The Afghan innings was further bolstered by Karim Janat's explosive cameo of 23 not out from 10 balls, featuring two sixes and two boundaries. Azmatullah Omarzai also remained unbeaten with a quick 20 off 12 deliveries, including two maximums.UAE's bowling effort was led by Muhammad Rohid and Saghir Khan, who picked up two wickets each, but failed to contain the Afghan batsmen who maintained a healthy scoring rate throughout their innings.The match was part of a tri-series involving Afghanistan, UAE, and Pakistan. Pakistan has already secured two victories in the tournament and will face Afghanistan in their next encounter on Tuesday.The tournament format involves each team playing against each other twice, with the top two teams qualifying for the final scheduled for September 7. This victory has strengthened Afghanistan's position in the series after their earlier loss to Pakistan.Zadran's innings was particularly impactful, containing four sixes and three boundaries, while Atal's maiden T20I half-century was decorated with four boundaries and three sixes, providing Afghanistan with a strong foundation.