KEY POINTS
- Shadab Khan overtook Shahid Afridi as Pakistan’s 5th-highest T20 wicket-taker.
- His match-winning spell of 4/24 secured Sydney Thunder’s first BBL 15 victory.
CANBERRA, Australia: Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan achieved a significant personal milestone while inspiring his team to success on Monday, overtaking cricket icon Shahid Afridi as Sydney Thunder defeated Brisbane Heat by 34 runs in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Shadab’s impactful spell of 4/24 at Manuka Oval was central to the win, helping Thunder secure their first victory of BBL 15.
More notably, his four wickets lifted his career T20 tally to 351, moving him past Afridi’s 347 into fifth place among Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers in the format.
He removed key batsmen Colin Munro (18), Jack Wildermuth (14), and top-scorer Matt Renshaw (43) to dismantle the Heat’s chase.
Pakistan’s T20 Wicket Leaders
The achievement places Shadab among Pakistan’s most successful T20 bowlers:
- Wahab Riaz – 413
- Mohammad Amir – 409
- Sohail Tanvir – 389
- Imad Wasim – 377
- Shadab Khan – 351
- Shahid Afridi – 347
Having played 325 T20 matches, Shadab maintains an economical rate of 7.58. The overall T20 record belongs to Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, with 685 wickets.
Thunder Post Strong Total
Batting first, Sydney Thunder set a competitive 193/4, built on a strong 124-run opening stand. Matthew Gilkes led the charge with 76 off 48 balls, well-supported by Sam Konstas (63 off 45). Sam Billings added a brisk 25 from 11 deliveries late in the innings.
In reply, Brisbane Heat were held to 159/6, unable to build substantial partnerships despite Renshaw’s 43.
Daniel Sams supported Shadab with two wickets, ensuring a comfortable Thunder victory.
