Mustafizur Rahman has drawn level with Shakib Al Hasan as Bangladesh’s joint-highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, reaching the milestone in just 117 matches, 12 fewer than his senior teammate.
The left-arm seamer entered Bangladesh’s Asia Cup Super Four clash against Sri Lanka on 20 September needing three wickets to match Shakib’s tally of 149. He achieved the feat with a superb display, finishing with figures of 3 for 19 from his four overs.
Kusal Perera, who had briefly reclaimed the record as Sri Lanka’s leading T20I run-scorer, became Mustafizur’s first victim. Attempting a cut shot off a short and wide delivery, Perera edged behind to Liton Das for 16 off 16 balls. UltraEdge confirmed the faint nick, giving Bangladesh a crucial breakthrough at 97/4.
Mustafizur saved his best for the death overs. In the 19th over, he removed Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga in quick succession, both falling while trying to clear the field. He conceded just five runs in the over and, notably, did not allow a single boundary.
The “cutter master” now sits level with Shakib on 149 wickets but has taken significantly fewer matches to get there.They are now jointly in fourth place in T20 internationals.
