India’s rising pace sensation, Arshdeep Singh, is on the verge of making history in the third T20I against England in Rajkot. With 98 wickets in 62 T20Is, Arshdeep is just two wickets away from becoming the fastest pacer to reach the 100-wicket mark in Men’s T20 International cricket. If he achieves this feat, he will break the current record held by Haris Rauf, who reached 100 wickets in 72 matches.
Arshdeep Singh’s Consistency in T20Is
Over the past few years, Arshdeep has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer for Team India in T20Is. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments has made him a key player in India’s bowling lineup. Known for his skillful swing and pinpoint yorkers, Arshdeep has emerged as one of the top pacers in the format.
Haris Rauf’s Record
Currently, Haris Rauf holds the record for being the fastest pacer to claim 100 wickets in T20Is. He achieved this milestone in his 72nd match during the 2024 T20 World Cup against Canada in New York. However, Arshdeep, with his current tally of 98 wickets, is now just two wickets away from surpassing Rauf’s record.
While pacers like Arshdeep and Rauf have set their marks, the spinners dominate the overall list of fastest to 100 T20I wickets. Leading the pack is Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who reached the milestone in just 53 matches. Following him closely is Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane with 54 matches.
Fastest to 100 Wickets in T20Is (Top Performers)
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 53 matches (against Pakistan, October 2021)
- Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal) – 54 matches (against Bangladesh, June 2024)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 63 matches (against Afghanistan, February 2024)
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan) – 71 matches (against Canada, June 2024)
- Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong) – 71 matches (against Malaysia, August 2024)
- Arshdeep Singh (India) – 62 matches (as of now)
Arshdeep Singh’s Achievements
Arshdeep’s remarkable growth was further highlighted when he was named the ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Year for 2024. With 36 wickets from 18 matches at an average of 13.50, his exceptional performances throughout the year, especially during the T20 World Cup, solidified his place as one of the best bowlers in the format. Arshdeep’s contribution was invaluable, as he finished the World Cup as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, with 17 wickets.
In an emotional statement following the award, Arshdeep expressed his gratitude, “Feels great to win the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award. I am really grateful and thankful to God. I appreciate everyone who worked behind the scenes, and credit goes to the sports staff and all the players who helped get the best out of me.”
Future Prospects: Champions Trophy
Arshdeep Singh’s stellar performances have earned him a place in India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. If Jasprit Bumrah regains full fitness, Arshdeep is expected to be an automatic starter alongside him, further strengthening India’s pace attack.
As Arshdeep moves closer to his milestone, cricket fans across the globe eagerly await his record-breaking achievement in the third T20I against England. His exceptional journey from a promising talent to one of the best pacers in T20I cricket has made him a player to watch in the years to come.
