☰
×

Rashid Khan Achieves Bowling Milestone as Afghanistan Secures ODI Series

In a remarkable display of skill, Rashid Khan has entered the top ten leading wicket-takers among active players after a stellar performance against Ireland. His achievement coincides with Afghanistan's impressive victory in the fourth ODI, where they secured the series 3-0. With centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan set a formidable target, while Yamin Ahmadzai and Rashid's bowling restricted Ireland's chase. Discover more about this thrilling match and Rashid's milestone.
By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 13, 2026, 11:24 IST

Rashid Khan's Bowling Achievement

Afghanistan's spinner Rashid Khan has made his way into the top ten leading wicket-takers among active players, thanks to an impressive bowling display against Ireland during the fourth ODI in Belfast. In this match, Rashid recorded figures of 3 wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs, contributing significantly to his team's commanding victory. With this performance, he surpassed Indian bowler Mohammed Shami, who has 462 wickets, and now holds the ninth position with a total of 464 wickets in 244 matches, boasting an average of 17.15. His record includes 14 four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures being 7 for 18.

Among active players, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc leads with 759 wickets at an average of 25.28, including 27 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 7 for 58. The all-time leading wicket-taker is Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan, who has an impressive tally of 1,347 wickets from 495 matches, averaging 22.86, with 77 four-wicket hauls and 22 five-wicket hauls, and best figures of 9 for 51.


Afghanistan Clinches Series in Thrilling Encounter

In the match, Ireland chose to bowl first, and Afghanistan capitalized on this decision with remarkable centuries from Sediqullah Atal, who scored 143 runs off 120 balls, hitting 17 fours and four sixes, and Ibrahim Zadran, who made 107 runs off 118 balls, including 11 fours and a six. This performance propelled Afghanistan to a total of 343 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted overs. Zadran also became the eighth Afghan player to surpass 2,000 ODI runs, accumulating 2,105 runs in 45 matches at an average of 50.11, with seven centuries and ten fifties, and a highest score of 177. Ireland's top bowlers included Byron McDonough (3 wickets for 84 runs), Mark Adair (2 for 60), and Gavin Hoey (2 for 71).

During the chase, Ireland's Andy Balbirnie scored 109 runs off 119 balls, supported by Curtis Campher, who added 84 runs off just 46 balls. Despite their efforts, Yamin Ahmadzai (4 wickets for 71 runs) and Rashid Khan (3 for 49) delivered exceptional bowling performances, limiting Ireland to 301 runs all out in 48 overs. With this victory, Afghanistan has clinched the five-match series with a 3-0 lead, and Atal was awarded the 'Player of the Match'.