Asia Cup 2025: Mustafizur Rahman Surpasses Shakib Al Hasan To Achieve A Historic Record For Bangladesh In T20I Cricket

In a thrilling Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 against India, Bangladesh’s seasoned pacer Mustafizur Rahman etched his name in cricketing history. Under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Mustafizur went past veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals—a landmark achievement that added gravitas to an already high-stakes encounter.

The Historic Wicket: Suryakumar Yadav Falls

The defining moment came in the 12th over of India’s innings. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, who had looked settled and was expected to anchor a big total, faced Mustafizur Rahman on the final ball of the over. Delivering a perfectly disguised off-cutter, Mustafizur induced an edge from Yadav, which was safely pouched by stand-in wicketkeeper and captain Jaker Ali behind the stumps.

That scalp marked Mustafizur’s 150th T20I wicket, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan’s tally of 149. It was a crucial dismissal that not only dented India’s progress in the match but also provided Bangladesh with a massive psychological boost.

“It’s a moment I will never forget. To become the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in such a crucial match is something very special,” Mustafizur reportedly shared post-match.

A Journey of Consistency and Craft

Mustafizur Rahman’s journey from the small town of Satkhira to the global T20 elite has been nothing short of inspiring. Known for his cunning variations, deceptive cutters, and surgical precision, Mustafizur made his international debut in 2015 and has since been a mainstay in the Bangladesh bowling unit across all formats.

In T20Is, his numbers speak volumes:

Matches Played: 118
Wickets Taken: 150
Average: Below 21
Economy Rate: 7.02
5-wicket hauls: 2
4-wicket hauls: 3
Best Bowling Figures: 6/10 vs USA (2024)

Bangladesh’s T20I Bowling Revolution

Mustafizur’s ascension to the top of Bangladesh’s wicket charts symbolizes a broader evolution in the nation’s white-ball cricket structure. While Bangladesh has historically been known for spin-heavy attacks led by Shakib, their recent reliance on pace and death-over specialists has brought a fresh dynamic.

Here’s a look at the Top 5 T20I Wicket-Takers for Bangladesh:

Player	Wickets
Mustafizur Rahman	150
Shakib Al Hasan	149
Taskin Ahmed	99
Mahedi Hasan	61
Shoriful Islam	58

This transformation shows the diversity and depth in Bangladesh’s bowling arsenal, with young talents like Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam fast becoming match-winners in their own right.

Entering the Global Elite Club

Mustafizur’s 150th wicket doesn’t just make him Bangladesh’s best—it propels him into a very exclusive global club. He is now the fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20I history, trailing only:

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): 173 wickets
Tim Southee (New Zealand): 164 wickets
Ish Sodhi (New Zealand): 150 wickets

Joining the ranks of global stalwarts, Mustafizur stands out as the first Bangladeshi bowler to reach the 150-mark, underscoring his longevity, adaptability, and unwavering skill in the shortest format.

His landmark comes at a time when Bangladesh’s T20I team is undergoing a generational shift. While Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad have gradually made way for newer talent, Mustafizur remains the bridge between eras, mentoring emerging stars while continuing to deliver impactful performances.

The Match Context: A Key Moment for Bangladesh

The match against India was billed as a litmus test for Bangladesh’s Super Four campaign in the Asia Cup 2025. Having already beaten Sri Lanka, the Tigers needed a spirited performance to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive. And Mustafizur delivered—not just statistically, but with a morale-boosting wicket that shifted momentum in Bangladesh’s favor.

His dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav—India’s most explosive batter—stopped the flow of runs and allowed Bangladesh’s spinners to exert pressure during the middle overs. The economy of his spell and the timing of his breakthroughs highlighted why Mustafizur is considered one of the best death bowlers in world cricket.

Stats That Define Mustafizur’s Legacy

Mustafizur has always been more than just a stat accumulator. His knack for performing in clutch moments—Asia Cups, ICC tournaments, or bilateral series—sets him apart. Here are some of his defining performances:

6/10 vs USA (2024): Best figures by a Bangladesh bowler in T20Is
5/16 vs India (2021): Match-winning spell during a rain-curtailed series
4/18 vs New Zealand (2023): Helped Bangladesh clinch their first T20I win in New Zealand
3/22 vs England (2022): Dominated one of the best batting lineups in the world

These spells showcase his versatility across formats, venues, and oppositions.

Reactions from the Cricketing World

Mustafizur’s milestone was met with widespread praise from current and former cricketers, fans, and analysts alike:

Shakib Al Hasan: “Records are meant to be broken. Proud to see Mustafizur take Bangladesh cricket forward. Well deserved.”
Wasim Akram: “He reminds me of the bowlers of our era—clever, deceptive, and deadly under pressure.”
Harsha Bhogle: “What a story. From cutters to records, Mustafizur has mastered the art of adapting.”

Even Indian players, including Surya himself, congratulated Rahman post-match for his incredible achievement.

What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket

Beyond the numbers, Mustafizur’s milestone is symbolic. It reflects the coming of age of Bangladesh’s pace attack, once considered its Achilles’ heel. Youngsters like Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud now have a role model to emulate—one who has proven that Bangladeshi fast bowlers can compete with the best on the global stage.

As the team prepares for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, having a bowler like Mustafizur in top form is a massive asset. His ability to mentor young bowlers, read pitches, and deliver under pressure adds both tactical and psychological strength to the squad.

A Legacy Still Unfolding

At just 29 years of age, Mustafizur Rahman’s story is far from over. While this milestone marks a significant chapter, it is not the final one. With the World Cup looming and Bangladesh’s golden generation of cricketers slowly handing over the reins, Mustafizur stands as both a guardian of the past and an architect of the future.

His record-breaking 150th T20I wicket is a testament to his grit, skill, and enduring excellence. It signals not just personal success but the rise of a nation’s bowling prowess in the shortest format.

And as he walked off the field in Dubai with the applause of fans and teammates ringing in his ears, there was no doubt:

Mustafizur Rahman is no longer just Bangladesh’s best—he is one of the world’s finest.

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