Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan became the leading wicket-taker in the history of T20 World Cups on Sunday, surpassing former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi when he dismissed Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka during their Super 12 match in Sharjah.
Shakib entered the game with 39 wickets in 28 matches.
Having produced a match-winning spell (4/9) against Oman in the preliminaries, Shakib, one of the world’s leading all-rounders, found himself among the wickets in the team’s first Super 12 game, against Sri Lanka.
Shakib Al Hasan, also known as Saqibul Hasan, is a Bangladeshi international cricketer. Regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, his aggressive left-handed batting style in the middle order, controlled slow left-arm orthodox bowling has made him a consistent player for Bangladesh.
Afridi picked 39 wickets in 34 matches.
Shakib surpassed Afridi’s record when he used his vast experience to get the better of Nissanka with a flighted delivery.
After two balls , Shakib bowled Avishka Fernando for his 41st wicket in the tournament.
With Bangladesh having made the Super 12s and guaranteed to play at least five matches, it was only a matter of time before the left-arm spinner bettered Afridi’s record.
Shakib is also the current highest wicket-taker in T20Is.