ENG vs PAK: Shaheen Shah Afridi creates history in T20 World Cup 2026, surpasses Haris Rauf

Shaheen Shah Afridi is once again showing why he is Pakistan’s spearhead in fast bowling, leading the attack in their second Super 8 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The left-arm pacer made an instant impact, picking up a wicket on the very first ball of England’s innings during their chase of 165. Phil Salt was caught behind by wicketkeeper Usman Khan for a golden duck.

Shaheen didn’t stop there. In his second over, he struck again, dismissing England captain Jos Buttler, who was also caught behind by Usman. This wicket was a landmark for Shaheen, as it helped him break Tim Southee’s record for the most T20I wickets in the powerplay. Southee, who played 126 T20Is from 2008 to 2024, had taken 58 powerplay wickets. Shaheen, playing his 102nd T20I on Tuesday, now has 59 wickets in the powerplay.

On the list of bowlers with the most T20I powerplay wickets, Shaheen and Southee are followed by India’s Arshdeep Singh, who has taken 53 wickets in 80 matches.

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After that Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up his third wicket removing Jacob Bethell to surpass his teammate Haris Rauf to become Pakistan's highest wickettaker in the shortest format of the game.

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Globally, the record for the most T20I wickets belongs to Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who has 193 wickets from 115 matches. Tim Southee is second with 164 wickets, and New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi is third with 162 wickets.