Bangladesh’s seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan became the first player to take 50 wickets in the T20 World Cup. Despite Bangladesh being outplayed by India in all facets of the game, Shakib managed to etch his name in the history books.
Shakib’s three-over spell was expensive, conceding 37 runs at an economy rate of 12.30. His sole wicket in the game was that of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. The 37-year-old lured Rohit into attempting a slog, resulting in a thick outside edge caught by Jaker Ali. This wicket marked Shakib’s 50th in the T20 World Cup, making him the first player to achieve this milestone in his 42nd match of the tournament.
The player closest to Shakib’s tally is former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who took 39 wickets in the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka’s iconic speedster Lasith Malinga, known for his searing yorkers, occupies the third position with 38 wickets.
Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga is close to becoming the leading wicket-taker for his country in the T20 World Cup. He is one wicket shy of Malinga’s tally and could have achieved the feat in the ongoing edition of the event. However, Sri Lanka was knocked out in the group stage, so Hasaranga will need to wait until the 2026 edition to rewrite history. Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal holds the fifth spot with 36 scalps in 23 games.
Despite Shakib’s historic achievement, Bangladesh fell short against India.
