Birthday special: Rashid Khan – Top spells by the Afghan wizard across formats
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is deemed as one of the most celebrated spinners around the world with absolute finesse he brings to the table. Not only on the international level, but Khan has also gone on to rule the world with his skills in various T20 leagues around the world. As the premier spinner celebrates his 23rd birthday, let’s take a look at his best spells in all the formats.
IPL
Beginning with IPL, the spinner clocked his best-ever figures in IPL 2020 when he choked Delhi’s batsmen and helped SRH register a massive 88-run victory. In a match against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020, SRH were defending 220 runs when Khan stepped up to disrupt the opposition’s batting order and registered surreal figures of 3/7 in four overs. It also turned out to be the most economical spell of IPL 2020.
Test
Khan’s magical figures of 7/137 came against Zimbabwe in Test when both the nations played a two-match Test series earlier this year. While the first Test was already won by Zimbabwe, Khan’s splendid figures helped Afghanistan win the second match and level the series 1-1 in Abu Dhabi.
ODI
Talking about the birthday boy’s best spell in ODI, it came against West Indies in 2017 when Afghanistan were on their tour to West Indies. It was 1st ODI of the series and Khan was adamant about choking the Caribbean side. The middle and lower order was completely disturbed by Khan and he registered mind-blowing figures of 7/18. He picked seven wickets conceding just 18 runs in 8.4 overs.
He also bowled a maiden and was assisted by Dawlat Zadran in his efforts to put his team in a victory spot. Riding on the back of Khan’s spell, Afghanistan won the match by 63 runs and he was ultimately declared as the player of the match.
T20I
Finally talking about his best figures in T20Is, he marked his outstanding spell against Ireland, the match which took place in Greater Noida, India. Though Afghanistan won the match by 17 runs, the major contribution came in from Najeeb Tarakai who scored 90 runs off just 58 balls to help Afghanistan in a fine spot.
Khan picked a classy fifer conceding just three runs in two overs (5/3). Tarakai was declared as the player of the match. Despite disturbances in Afghanistan of late, the world is sure that Khan will keep marching in the world of cricket with all his class and give a great performance in the UAE leg of IPL 2021.
