Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has created history in ODI cricket. During the second match of the five-match ODI series against Ireland, Rashid produced a sensational bowling performance, taking 6 wickets for just 34 runs.
Powered by Rashid Khan’s brilliant spell, Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 92 runs at the Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland. Afghanistan had posted 299 runs after batting first, while Ireland were bowled out for 207 in their chase.
Rashid Khan Becomes the First Spinner With Three Six-Wicket Hauls in ODIs
Rashid Khan has become the first spinner in the world to take six or more wickets in an ODI innings on three occasions.
The achievement becomes even more impressive when compared with the records of some of the most successful spinners in ODI history. Wanindu Hasaranga, Imran Tahir, Shahid Afridi, Akila Dananjaya, Sandeep Lamichhane and Ajantha Mendis have each recorded two six-wicket hauls during their ODI careers.
Rashid has now gone one step further by achieving the feat three times. He reached this milestone in just 121 ODI matches.
Rashid Khan Destroyed Ireland’s Run Chase
Chasing a target of 300 runs, Ireland initially tried to remain competitive during the opening overs. However, once Rashid Khan came into the attack, the game quickly changed.
Rashid struck in the first ball of the 15th over, dismissing Andrew Balbirnie for 36 runs.
He then continued to dismantle Ireland’s batting lineup, removing:
- Harry Tector – 5 runs
- Benjamin Calitz – 27 runs
- Curtis Campher – 23 runs
- Jai Moondra – 3 runs
- Byron McDonagh – 0 runs
Rashid’s continuous strikes completely disrupted Ireland’s chase. The hosts eventually collapsed and were bowled out for 207 runs in 33.2 overs.
Rashid Khan’s ODI Debut Came Against Zimbabwe
Rashid Khan made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe on October 15, 2015.
Around a year and a half later, he registered his first six-wicket haul in ODI cricket. In March 2017, Rashid took 6/43 against Ireland in Greater Noida, announcing himself as one of the most dangerous young spinners in international cricket.
Later that year, he produced an even more devastating performance against the West Indies. Playing in Gros Islet, Rashid claimed 7 wickets for just 18 runs, destroying the Caribbean team’s batting lineup.
Rashid Equals Waqar Younis’ Record Against One Team
Rashid Khan has also equalled a record held by former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis for taking multiple six-wicket hauls against the same opponent.
Waqar Younis took six wickets or more in an ODI innings twice against New Zealand. Rashid has now achieved the same feat twice against Ireland.
However, Waqar still holds the overall record for the most six-wicket hauls in ODI cricket. The former Pakistan captain recorded five innings in which he took six or more wickets.
Afghanistan Posted 299 Runs
Batting first, Afghanistan scored 299 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 47 overs, setting Ireland a target of 300 runs.
Ireland needed a strong batting performance to chase down the target, but Rashid Khan’s spell prevented the hosts from building any significant partnerships.
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai took two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed one wicket.
Ireland eventually managed only 207 runs, giving Afghanistan a convincing 92-run victory.
When Is the Next Afghanistan vs Ireland ODI?
The third ODI of the five-match series will be played on August 10 in Belfast.
With Rashid Khan in exceptional form, Afghanistan will look to maintain its momentum and strengthen its position in the series.
Conclusion
Rashid Khan’s six-wicket haul against Ireland has added another major achievement to his already remarkable ODI career. By recording his third six-wicket haul in ODI cricket, Rashid has become the first spinner to accomplish the feat.
His performance not only helped Afghanistan secure a 92-run victory but also demonstrated once again why he is regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous limited-overs spinners.
