Shakib Al Hasan made history on 24 August, becoming the fifth bowler in the world to reach 500 wickets in T20 cricket, while starring with both bat and ball to guide Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to a seven-wicket win over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Bowling only two overs, Shakib produced a match-winning performance, taking 3 for 11. He claimed Mohammad Rizwan in his first over with a clever caught-and-bowled, reaching the 500-wicket milestone in the process. He then dismissed Kyle Mayers and Navin Vidyasee, restricting the Patriots to a modest 133 for 9. Only Rizwan (30 off 26) and Evin Lewis (32 off 31) managed to make meaningful contributions, while the rest of the batting line-up struggled, including three run-outs and several single-digit scores. Afghanistan wristspinner Waqar Salamkheil also impressed with figures of 1 for 16, maintaining his position as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
Shakib complemented his bowling with an impactful innings of 25 runs from 18 balls, including two sixes and a four, showcasing his all-round ability. He arrived at the crease at number four after a 34-run opening partnership between Rahkeem Cornwall (16) and Joel Andrew was broken. In the 13th over, Shakib struck a six off the first ball and a four off the next, adding a reverse sweep boundary off Nasim Shah’s delivery. Though he fell attempting a big shot off a googly from Navin Vidyasee, his contribution helped maintain Antigua’s momentum in the chase.
Karima Gore anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 52 off 47 balls, while Andris Gus remained not out on 9, guiding Antigua to victory with two balls to spare. The win consolidated Antigua’s place at the top of the CPL 2025 points table with seven points.
With this achievement, Shakib became the first Bangladeshi and fifth bowler in T20 history to reach 500 wickets, joining Rashid Khan, Imran Tahir, Dwayne Bravo, and Sunil Narine. He also remains the only all-rounder in T20 history to have taken 500 wickets while scoring over 7,563 runs.