Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan became the leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket with two wickets against Scotland at Al Amerat Cricket Ground on October 17. Shakib surpassed former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga to reach to the top. The left-arm spinner now has 108 wickets from 89 T20Is, one more than Malinga who played 84 T20Is before hanging his boots.
Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder took the wickets of wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Cross followed by Michael Leask and gave just 17 runs in his quota of four overs. The two crucial wickets triggered a middle-order collapse. In the run chase Shakib struggled with bat and could manage only 20 runs from 27 deliveries leaving his team in a tough spot.
Shakib is now the fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup events over the years with 32 wickets from 26 games. He needs eight more wickets to get on the top of the list and dethrone former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, who has 39 wickets from 34 games.
From the current lot, there are only two other bowlers who will be playing catch-up with the 34-year-old. Tim Southee has 99 wickets from 83 matches. The Kiwi pacer will become the third bowler to take 100 or more wickets in the format if he gets a wicket against Pakistan in New Zealand’s first match of the tournament on October 26.
Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan is also in the chase with 95 wickets from just 51 games. Placed in the same group as New Zealand and India, the Afghan leggie will begin his campaign against one of the Group B teams qualifying for Super 12s on October 25 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Shakib continued his good form with the ball after a fruitful Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season for runner-ups Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He did not get too many wickets for KKR but kept the scoring rate down in the powerplay and middle overs.
