Shakib Al Hasan leapfrogs Lasith Malinga to become highest wickettaker in T20Is

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has leapfrogged Sri Lanka veteran Lasith Malinga to become the leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket. Shakib added the wickets of Scotland batters Richie Berrington and Michael Leask to his tally of 106 wickets to go past Malinga who has 107 scalps to his name. The all-rounder picked up the wicket of Richie Berrington, who has been in some fine form of late, in the 11th over before dismissing Michael Leask just two deliveries later.

Shakib achieved the feat in the 89th T20I, while Malika took 84 T20Is to take 107 wickets. Shakib is the only cricketer to have a double of 1000 runs and more than 100 wickets in T20I cricket. The all-rounder so far has scored 1763 runs at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 121.41. He has also scored nine half-centuries for his team.

Shakib’s 108 wickets have come at an average of 20.38 and an astounding economy rate of 6.70. He also has a five-wicket haul to his name.

Meanwhile, Shakib’s spell of 2-17 helped Bangladesh restrict Scotland to 140-9. In their chase, Bangladesh are 25-2 at the time of writing.

Shakib is an integral cog in the Bangladesh lineup and will have to play a big role if Bangladesh have to make an impact in the tournament. The southpaw came into the match after mediocre performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, however, this performance will give him a lot of confidence for the coming games. Bangladesh need to win at least two games in the qualifying round to make it to the Super 12s.