In the current Asia Cup 2025 taking place in the UAE, Kuldeep Yadav has been the star bowler in India. The left-arm wrist-spinner has taken seven wickets in only two matches with a whopping average of 3.57 and also with a low economy rate of 4.05. He made his initial 4/7 in two point one overs against UAE in Dubai and made a second 3/18 in four overs against Pakistan on September 14 at the same place.
Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his spell against UAE and impressed again versus Pakistan. He dismissed Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz off back-to-back deliveries, before removing Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with 40.
So far, Kuldeep has played 42 T20Is. Given his red-hot form, it’s a good time to stack up his numbers against Afghanistan’s ace spinner Rashid Khan at the same stage of their careers.
1. Kuldeep Yadav vs Rashid Khan – Wickets and Average after 42 T20Is
Kuldeep Yadav has picked up 76 wickets in his first 42 T20Is, averaging 13.10. He has done well against top teams, taking 17 wickets against West Indies, eight each versus Australia and England, and six against South Africa. His knack for breaking partnerships has made him a key bowler for India.
Rashid Khan was slightly ahead at the same stage with 81 wickets at an average of 12.03. While he dominated teams like Ireland (29 wickets) and Zimbabwe (13), he also made an impact against stronger opponents such as Bangladesh and UAE. His consistency and strike rate gave Afghanistan a major boost.
2. Kuldeep Yadav vs Rashid Khan – Economy Rate after 42 T20Is
Kuldeep has managed an economy rate of 6.66 after 42 matches, which is impressive considering he bowls in attacking spells. Against big sides, he has kept things tight – 6.33 vs Australia, 6.07 vs New Zealand, and 6.41 vs England. Only South Africa managed to score more freely against him with an economy close to 9.
Rashid’s economy was even better, standing at 6.13 after 42 T20Is. His control was remarkable, especially against Bangladesh (5.50) and Ireland (5.97). Even against power-hitters like West Indies and Zimbabwe, he stayed economical, making him one of the most difficult bowlers to score off in world cricket.
3. Kuldeep Yadav vs Rashid Khan – Four-fers and Five-fers
Kuldeep has already bagged two five-wicket hauls and two four-fers in his first 42 T20Is. His best came against South Africa in Johannesburg (5/17) and England in Manchester (5/24). More recently, he showed his class with 4/7 against UAE in Asia Cup 2025, proving he can deliver on any stage.
Rashid Khan also had two fifers and three four-fers at this stage. His best figures of 5/3 against Ireland in 2017 remain among the most iconic T20I spells. He often dominated Ireland, picking multiple four-wicket hauls against them, and also ran through Bangladesh with another standout four-for.
4. Kuldeep Yadav vs Rashid Khan – Record in Wins after 42 T20Is
Kuldeep Yadav has played 28 winning games for India in his first 42 outings. In those matches, he picked up 64 wickets at a dream average of 10.12, along with two five-fers and two four-fers. Clearly, his best performances have often come in matches India ended up winning.
Rashid played a role in as many as 32 Afghanistan wins in his first 42 games. He grabbed 69 wickets in victories at an average of 10.15 and a miserly economy of 5.79. His match-winning spells, including all his big hauls, came when Afghanistan was on the winning side.
