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Adil Rashid Surpasses Lasith Malinga in T20 World Cup Wicket Tally

England's veteran spinner Adil Rashid has moved past Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga to become the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. Rashid achieved the feat during England's 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in Pallekele, where he bowled a fine spell of 2/13. In the broader context of T20 Internationals, Rashid has also drawn level with Mustafizur Rahman as the joint-fourth-highest wicket-taker. The match saw England post 146/9 before their bowlers, including Rashid, bundled out Sri Lanka for just 95.

Key Points: Adil Rashid Ties for 5th in T20 World Cup Wickets

  • Rashid now has 39 T20 WC wickets
  • Overtook Malinga's tally of 38
  • Also joint-4th in all-time T20I wickets
  • England beat Sri Lanka by 51 runs
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Adil Rashid overtakes Malinga to become joint-fifth-highest T20WC wicket-taker

England's Adil Rashid overtakes Lasith Malinga to become joint-fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history during win over Sri Lanka.

Adil Rashid overtakes Malinga to become joint-fifth-highest T20WC wicket-taker
"The 38-year-old spinner continues to climb up the charts 17 years deep into international cricket - Report"

Pallekele, February 22

England spin veteran Adil Rashid overtook Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga to become the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup history.

The 38-year-old spinner continues to climb up the charts 17 years deep into international cricket, delivering a fine spell of 2/13 in 3.4 overs against Sri Lanka in a massive win over the co-hosts at Pallekele.

Now with this, in 35 T20 WC matches since his debut in 2009, Rashid has taken 39 wickets at an average of 22.66, with best figures of 4/2. He has two four-fers in his T20 WC career. Malinga had 38 wickets in 31 matches from 2007-2014 at an average of 20.07, with a five-wicket haul to his name.

In the ongoing tournament, he has eight wickets in five matches at an average of 18.75, with best figures of 3/36.

The veteran has also levelled with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman to become the joint-fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, with 158 wickets in 126 matches at an average of 20.96, with best figures of 6/10. He has three four-wicket hauls and two five-fors in T20I cricket.

Meanwhile, the top three-wicket takers in T20I cricket are: Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (193 wickets in 115 matches), New Zealand's Tim Southee (164 in 126 matches) and Ish Sodhi (162 wickets in 138 matches).

Coming to this match against Sri Lanka, SL won the toss and opted to bowl first, and their bowlers ripped out the heart of England's batting by removing Buttler (7), Jacob Bethell (3), Tom Banton (6), Harry Brook (14) and Sam Curran (11), reducing them to 94/5 in 13.2 overs. It was Salt's valiant 62 in 40 balls, with six fours and two sixes and a quick cameo of 21 in 14 balls, with four boundaries from Will Jacks, that pushed England towards 146/9 in 20 overs.

Dunith Wellalage (3/26 in four overs) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/21 in four overs) managed to tame England against spin, a key weakness of theirs, while Dilshan Madushanka (2/25 in four overs) and Dushmantha Chameera (1/34 in four overs) also got wickets.

SL did not look like a threat during the chase, with Jacks (3/22), Liam Dawson (2/27 in four overs), Jofra Archer (2/20 in three overs), and Adil Rashid (2/13 in 3.4 overs) quickly getting the wickets to skittle out SL for just 95 runs in 16.4 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, it's amazing to see a spinner's longevity. Rashid Khan leading the overall T20I list shows how crucial spin has become in the shortest format. Great analysis in the article.
A
Ananya R
While Rashid's achievement is impressive, let's not forget Malinga did it in fewer matches and had a better average. Context matters. Still, kudos to the veteran for his consistency over so many years.
V
Vikram M
England's spin attack looks really strong with Rashid and Jacks. The way they dismantled SL's batting was clinical. Our Indian team needs to be wary of them if we meet in the knockouts! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
The article highlights a key point – England's weakness against spin. SL's spinners did well too. It shows that in subcontinent conditions, quality spin is still king, whether batting or bowling.
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Priya S
At 38, delivering such economical spells (2/13 in 3.4 overs)! This is inspiration for all aspiring cricketers that age is just a number if you have the skill and fitness. Well done, Adil! 👏

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