Rashid Khan Makes History As Afghanistan Beat UAE In T20 Match

Afghanistan's most celebrated cricketer Rashid Khan made history when he became the top wicket taker in T20 internationals. His excellent bowling display not only shattered a long record but also took Afghanistan to a 38 run victory against the United Arab Emirates in a thrilling tri series match. Rashid dismissed three batsmen for only 21 runs and in the process surpassed New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee who was earlier holding the record of 164 wickets. Rashid Khan surpassed his record with his 165th wicket and joined the league of top wicket takers in the format and included another golden chapter in his already illustrious career.

The match remained in the memory not just due to Rashid's record but also due to the manner in which Afghanistan's batsmen arranged the victory. Opening batsman Sediqullah Atal played in the confidence of securing his first T20 half century. He shared this match-changing partnership with Ibrahim Zadran who scored a good 63 and they together built an 86 run second wicket partnership. Their association gave Afghanistan a solid foundation to score a competitive total of 188 for 4 in their 20 overs. Late cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai contributing 20 and Jannat contributing 23 ensured Afghanistan ended their innings with some zip. Between them Atal and Zadran hit a number of clean sixes and boundaries which kept the UAE bowlers on the back foot.

UAE bowlers also gave it their all with left arm pacer Muhammad Rohid claiming two wickets for 34 runs on his first outing of the series. Afghanistan's depth in batting and capacity to build acceleration in the middle overs ensured that scoreboard pressure never eased off.

When UAE started their pursuit their skipper Muhammad Waseem provided them a solid foundation. He batted attacking style in the powerplay overs pounding 67 runs from a mere 37 balls. Waseem scored six huge sixes and four elegant boundaries around the perimeter of the ground and even slapped Rashid Khan for a straight six. He reached his half century in 25 balls and kept UAE in contention for the majority of the innings. The hosts scored 66 for 1 within the powerplay and were positioned for a fighting chase.

But the night was scripted for Afghanistan's spinners. Rashid Khan and left arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf turned the game on its head with their tight bowling spells. Ashraf took three wickets for 24 runs and accounted for Waseem when he top edged a pull shot and was caught by Mujeeb at short fine leg. Once Waseem was gone, UAE folded against Afghanistan's spinners as Afghanistan's spinners ran through the middle order.

Asif Khan who had scored a fifty against Pakistan earlier in the series was cleaned up for just a few balls when Rashid deceived him with a clever googly. Rashid’s third wicket which sealed his world record came against Dhruv Parashar who edged a ball faintly behind. By then UAE had slumped to 111 for 6 and the game had slipped away from their hands. Together UAE lost seven wickets for 46 runs in the middle overs which destroyed all their momentum.

Rahul Chopra attempted to resist and was left on 52. He even hit a six off the last ball of the innings to reach his half century but it was too late. UAE could manage only 150 for 8 to give Afghanistan a convincing win by 38 runs.

The game had a gloomy start as both sides took to the field with black armbands and took a minute's silence. It was done to remember the victims of a tragic earthquake in eastern Afghanistan that killed approximately 800 people and left over 2500 individuals injured. The gesture displayed solidarity and respect from the two sides before competition started on the pitch.

This tri series has been a crucial buildup to the Asia Cup that is to begin in the UAE. Pakistan is currently leading the tri series after defeating Afghanistan and UAE previously. Pakistan again faces Afghanistan in the next match and that game is set to be another nail-biting encounter. For Afghanistan the greatest positive has been the performance of their skipper Rashid Khan and the emergence of new faces such as Atal who played with so much promise at the number one slot.

Rashid's record is so special because he did it in fewer games than so many others. His consistency in T20 cricket has put him among the most feared bowlers on the planet. Batters tend to struggle to read his variations particularly his rapid googly and sharp leg spin. Overcoming Tim Southee's record was not merely a matter of numbers but also the role Rashid has played in turning Afghanistan into a competitive team on the global stage. His path from a teenage wunderkind to an international sensation has given hope to tens of millions of fans and his latest achievement puts one more gem on his crown.

Afghanistan's success against UAE was founded on team effort but Rashid's prowess shone through. Cricket pundits opine that he has scores of years left to play at the international level and that means his record wicket tally is set to increase even more. This feat serves to put the spotlight not only on his ability but also on the growth of Afghanistan cricket which has continued to make the news in the shortest of forms.

For UAE the game was a reminder that though they have promising talents like Rahul Chopra and Muhammad Waseem they require more back up in the middle order. Their bowlers gave flashes of promise but to control powerful batting line ups like Afghanistan requires more consistency. Yet still playing against quality sides provides them with good experience which will see them improve in coming tournaments.

The tri series is still generating exciting moments and Rashid Khan's record breaking performance has already made it unforgettable. Fans all over the globe celebrated his success as social media was flooded with congratulatory messages. With the Asia Cup just around the corner Afghanistan will hope to take this winning momentum forward and keep challenging top teams. Rashid Khan's name will now always be etched in the history of T20 cricket as the one who became the highest wicket-taker while leading his country to a proud win.