Afghanistan’s spin sensation, Rashid Khan, has further solidified his legendary status by matching a significant ODI record previously held by Pakistani bowling greats Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq.
The 25-year-old achieved his sixth five-wicket haul in One-Day Internationals during a dominant performance against Bangladesh in the second match of their series.
A Match-Winning Spell
Rashid’s devastating bowling display dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup, single-handedly shifting the match’s momentum. He claimed five crucial wickets while conceding just 55 runs from his 10 overs. Furthermore, this remarkable spell was instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to a sub-par total, paving the way for a comfortable Afghan victory. Consequently, his performance was not just a personal milestone but a decisive contribution to a team win, underscoring his value as a match-winner.
Entering an Elite Club
With this achievement, Rashid Khan has joined an exclusive group of cricketers who have taken six or more five-wicket hauls in their ODI careers. This prestigious list is a who’s who of bowling royalty. It includes Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq, India’s Mohammed Shami, New Zealand’s Trent Boult, and South Africa’s legendary paceman, Lance Klusener. This places the young Afghan star in the company of the very best all-round and specialist bowlers the sport has seen.
The All-Time Greats of Five-Wicket Hauls
While Rashid has now entered this elite secondary group, the all-time list for most five-wicket hauls is still led by some of the most fearsome bowlers in history. The current record holders are:
Waqar Younis (Pakistan): 13
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): 10
Mitchell Starc (Australia): 9
Brett Lee (Australia): 9
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): 9
This context highlights the significant achievement Rashid has already made and the historic challenge that potentially lies ahead.
A National Hero and Global Threat
Rashid Khan’s consistency has made him the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s cricket team. He is universally regarded as their primary match-winner. Moreover, his success has transcended national borders. Through stellar performances in various global T20 leagues, he has established himself as one of the most dangerous and economical spin bowlers in the world. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions makes him a constant threat to any batting order.
Chasing a World Record
Cricket analysts and former players are now openly discussing the possibility of Rashid Khan challenging the ultimate record. Given his youth and phenomenal strike rate, many believe he has a genuine chance to pursue Waqar Younis’s all-time record of 13 five-wicket hauls. If he maintains his current form and fitness, Rashid could not only break records but also redefine the standards for spin bowling in the limited-overs format. His journey symbolizes the rapid rise of Afghan cricket on the world stage.
