Bangladesh’s seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made history by becoming the first player to take 50 wickets in the T20 World Cup. Shakib made this remarkable achievement during a match against India, securing his place in the record books despite Bangladesh’s overall performance.
Shakib’s Historic Feat
Shakib made a significant contribution to T20 World Cup history on a night when India dominated. Although his three-over spell was expensive, conceding 37 runs with an economy of 12.30, he managed to claim a crucial wicket.
Shakib’s 50th victim was none other than the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma. Shakib lured Rohit into a shot that resulted in a thick outside edge, comfortably caught by Jaker Ali.
This wicket marked Shakib’s 50th in T20 World Cup matches, making him the first player to reach this milestone in his 42nd match of the tournament.
The first player to take 50 ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup wickets 🔥🇧🇩
Take a bow, Shakib Al Hasan 👏#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/lVTtOjBL2u
— ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2024
Comparison with Other Greats
Shakib’s closest competitor in terms of T20 World Cup wickets is former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who has 39 wickets. Following Afridi is Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Lasith Malinga, known for his devastating yorkers, with 38 wickets.
Currently, Sri Lanka’s captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, is also approaching this record. He is just one wicket away from equaling Malinga’s tally of 38 wickets.
However, with Sri Lanka’s early exit from the tournament, Hasaranga will have to wait until the 2026 edition to attempt to surpass this record. Pakistan’s spinner Saeed Ajmal rounds out the top five with 36 wickets in 23 games.
The Match Summary
Despite Shakib’s historic achievement, Bangladesh faced a tough game against India. After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bowl first. India, led by Hardik Pandya‘s unbeaten 50 off 27 balls, set a formidable target. Contributions from Virat Kohli (37), Shivam Dube (34), and Rishabh Pant (36) helped India post a total of 196/5.
As a result, Bangladesh struggled with the bat. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s valiant 40 was the only highlight in their batting lineup. Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav effectively dismantled the Bangladesh batting order, leading India to a comprehensive 50-run victory.
Shakib Al Hasan‘s achievement of becoming the first player to take 50 wickets in the T20 World Cup is a testament to his skill and perseverance. Despite the loss against India, Shakib’s milestone is a moment of pride for Bangladesh and highlights his significant contribution to the sport. As the T20 World Cup continues to evolve, Shakib’s record will inspire future generations of cricketers.
