Rashid Khan eyes unprecedented 1,000-wicket mark in T20 cricket
What's the story
Celebrated Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan has set his eyes on an unprecedented T20 achievement.
He wants to be the first bowler to take 1,000 wickets in the format.
The ambitious target was revealed during a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo.
Rashid said, "Yeah, if I'm fit, and I'm doing well, that's something which will be the biggest achievement to take: 1000 wickets in T20s."
Notably, Rashid recently surpassed Dwayne Brave to become the highest wicket-taker in T20s (633 scalps).
Performance
Rashid surpasses Bravo's record
As mentioned, Rashid recently surpassed Bravo for the record.
Rashid reached the milestone as the highest wicket-taker during the SA20 2025 match, representing MI Cape Town against Paarl Royals at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
MI Cape Town scored 199/4 in 20 overs. In response, the Royals perished for 160 runs.
Rashid stole the show with figures worth 2/33. He bowled 11 dot balls.
Career highlights
Rashid's journey to the top and future aspirations
Under Rashid's leadership, MI Cape Town has reached their first-ever tournament final, marking a remarkable turnaround after finishing last in 2023 and 2024.
They will face Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final on February 8.
Meanwhile, Rashid is also close to breaking Tim Southee's record for the most T20I wickets, needing just four more to surpass Southee's tally of 164 wickets.
Reflections
Rashid reflects on career highlights and future goals
Rashid holds the record as the fastest bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets, a milestone he achieved during the 2021 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.
He described his journey to becoming the leading wicket-taker in T20s as deeply satisfying, especially given his relatively short career.
After Rashid broke Bravo's record, the West Indies legend, who was happy for him, supported him.
Career moments
Rashid cherishes 'biggest moments' of his career
Rashid fondly recalled some memorable spells from his T20 career, including his impressive 4/23 against Bangladesh in last year's T20 World Cup.
The performance helped Afghanistan reach the semi-finals for the first time.
He considers Afghanistan's journey to the T20 WC semifinals last year as one of the "biggest moments of my career."
Despite the loss to South Africa, he cherishes the memory, believing both teams could have performed better on a different wicket.
Career stats
Rashid's impressive T20 career statistics
Rashid now holds an impressive record of 633 wickets in 461 T20 matches at a remarkable bowling average of 18.07.
His best figures stand at 6/17, with four five-wicket hauls.
In comparison, Dwayne Bravo claimed 631 wickets in 582 matches over his illustrious 18-year career, averaging 24.40 with best figures of 5/23 and three five-wicket hauls.
Notably, Rashid had recently become the joint-highest wicket-taker in MI's recent win during Match 27 of the SA20 against Pretoria Capitals.
T20Is
Over 160 wickets in T20Is
As many as 161 of Rashid's T20 wickets have come in internationals (for Afghanistan and ICC).
Meanwhile, no other Afghan bowler has over 100 T20I wickets. Rashid's bowling average of 13.80 is the best for any bowler with more than 100 wickets.
As mentioned, only New Zealand's Tim Southee (164) boasts more T20I scalps than Rashid.