Rashid Khan Breaks T20I Wicket Record as Afghanistan Defeat UAE in Tri-Series Clash

Rashid Khan becomes the leading wicket-taker in T20I history as Afghanistan beat UAE by 38 runs in the Sharjah tri-series 2025. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal shine with the bat.
Afghanistan Claim First Tri-Series Win in Sharjah
Afghanistan registered their first victory in the UAE Tri-Series 2025, defeating the hosts by 38 runs in Sharjah. The night belonged to Rashid Khan, who not only guided his team with a brilliant bowling performance but also became the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20I history.
Zadran and Atal Lead with the Bat
After being sent in to bat, Afghanistan lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, but Ibrahim Zadran (63 off 40) and Sediqullah Atal (54 off 36) stabilized the innings. Their crucial 84-run stand shifted momentum, keeping Afghanistan on course for a competitive total.
Late fireworks came from Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat, with Janat smashing 22 runs in one over, pushing Afghanistan to 188/4 in 20 overs.
UAE Fight Back Through Waseem
UAE’s chase started strongly with captain Muhammad Waseem blasting a quick 67 off 37 balls. His aggressive strokeplay kept the hosts ahead of the required run rate. However, once Waseem fell, the innings lost stability.
Despite Rahul Chopra’s unbeaten 52, UAE could not keep pace with the climbing asking rate and finished at 150/8.
Rashid Khan Creates History
As always, Afghanistan’s skipper Rashid Khan turned the match in his side’s favor. His magical spell of 3/21 dismantled UAE’s middle order, derailing their chase.
More importantly, this performance made Rashid the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20 internationals, cementing his place among cricket’s legends.
Match Summary
Afghanistan: 188/4 in 20 overs (Zadran 63, Atal 54, Janat 22*)
UAE: 150/8 in 20 overs (Waseem 67, Chopra 52*, Rashid 3/21)
Result: Afghanistan won by 38 runs
Why This Win Matters
This victory not only gave Afghanistan their first points in the tri-series but also boosted team morale after early setbacks. Rashid Khan’s record-breaking achievement further highlighted Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20I cricket?
👉 Rashid Khan of Afghanistan now holds the record after surpassing all previous bowlers.
Q2: Who were Afghanistan’s top scorers against UAE?
👉 Ibrahim Zadran (63) and Sediqullah Atal (54) starred with the bat.
Q3: How many runs did Afghanistan win by?
👉 Afghanistan defeated UAE by 38 runs in Sharjah.