Shakib reaches 500 T20 wickets milestone

Agency :

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan once again proved his match-winning ability, guiding his side to a 7-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday.

The veteran Bangladeshi star not only delivered a record-breaking spell with the ball but also contributed valuable runs with the bat to seal the Falcons’ victory.

Earlier, the Patriots posted 133 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Shakib became the first left-arm bowler in history and the fifth overall to claim 500 T20 wickets, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan (30 off 26) in his very first over. He then returned in the 17th over to strike twice more, removing Kyle Mayers (18 off 13) and Navin Bidaisee (1).

The all-rounder finished with brilliant figures of 2-0-11-3, taking his career tally to 502 wickets. Jayden Seales, Salman Irshad and Shamar Springer chipped in with one wicket each as the Patriots struggled for momentum.

In reply, the Falcons chased down the 134-run target with two balls to spare, finishing at 137 for 3 in 19.4 overs. Karima Gore anchored the innings with a composed 52 not out off 47 balls, while Shakib provided the acceleration with a brisk 25 off 18 deliveries, including one four and two sixes.

Jewel Andrew (28 off 28) and Rahkeem Cornwall (16 off 13) also gave useful contributions at the top.

The Falcons secured victory by 7 wickets, underlining Shakib’s all-round brilliance on the night.
With his 500th wicket milestone and yet another match-winning performance, Shakib continues to cement his place as one of T20 cricket’s greatest all-rounders – the only player in history with both 7,000-plus runs and 500 wickets in the format.