T20 World Cup 2021: Shakib Al Hasan overtakes Shahid Afridi to become highest wicket-taker in tournament’s history

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has surpassed Shahid Afridi’s wicket-tally to become the highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup history.

Hasan was leveled with the former Pakistan skipper with 39 scalps before his team’s opening Super 12 fixture against Sri Lanka at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Hasan bagged a brace to overtake Afridi’s record and now has 41 wickets in the T20I showpiece. The left-arm spinner accounted for Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando in the second over of his spell. Both the batters were bowled by Hasan.

Hasan returned with impressive figures of 3-17 in his three overs but his efforts went in vain as Sri Lanka won by five wickets after Charith Asalanka scored an unbeaten knock of 80 runs whereas Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored 53 runs to help their team chase down a par score of 172 runs.

Meanwhile, Hasan could only contribute 10 runs with the bat. With two wickets against the Island nation, the left-arm spinner has now claimed 11 wickets in four matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021, which makes him the leading wicket-taker of the tournament.

In fact, earlier Hasan had broken Lasith Malinga’s record of most wickets in the T20Is as he has leapfrogged his tally of 107 wickets before the Super 12 stage. Hasan has been a consistent performer for the Tigers and he will look to continue the good form for his team.

On the other hand, Bangladesh would have been disappointed as they had Sri Lanka on the ropes. The Dasun Shanaka-led team were 79-4 after the first 10 overs but Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa were able to turn the tables for their team.

Bangladesh will next face England on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.