Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s talismanic wrist spinner, became the first bowler to reach 650 wickets in T20 cricket during the inaugural match of The Hundred 2025.
Rashid accomplished the accomplishment during a one-sided match between the London Spirit and the Oval Invincibles on Tuesday, August 5, at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Kane Williamson’s London Spirit won the toss and decided to bat first. Jordan Clark and Jason Behrendorff made early gains with the new ball, putting the batting side on 26/3 before Rashid began to work his magic.
The 26-year-old began the onslaught by removing Wayne Madsen on the 43rd delivery of the innings. However, he set a new record when he bowled Liam Dawson plumb in front of the stumps LBW. Rashid also took Ryan Higgins’ wicket, finishing with outstanding figures of 3/11 in 20 balls. He bowled a total of 15 dot balls during his stay.
The Afghanistan leg-spinner became the first player to achieve the milestone, with 651 wickets in 478 T20 innings at an average of 18.54 and four five-wicket hauls to his name. Rashid has a strike rate of 16.90 and an economy rate of 6.57 in the shortest version of the game.
However, Rashid was supported by Sam Curran who took three wickets. Ashton Turner made 14 off 21 balls but London Spirit were bowled out for 80 in 94 balls.
Will Jacks and Tawanda Muyeye responded with a slow start, placing 34 runs off 32 deliveries, to get the Invincibles under way. Nevertheless, Dawson eliminated both of the openers when they were off to a good start. Curran hit a nine-ball 14 and Sam Billings and Donovan Ferreira hit them home with six wickets down and 31 balls to spare.
On Saturday, August 9, London Spirit will play again and face Welsh Fire in Cardiff. Meanwhile, Manchester Originals and Oval Invincibles will play on the same day.
