🏏 Rashid Khan Equals Wasim Akram & Saqlain Mushtaq’s ODI Record in Stunning Win Over Bangladesh
In a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket, Rashid Khan etched his name alongside Pakistan legends Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq, becoming one of only three bowlers to claim six five-wicket hauls in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
The record-equalling feat came during the second ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where Rashid’s spin brilliance dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup in a low-scoring thriller.
Afghanistan’s comprehensive 81-run victory not only sealed the three-match series 2-0 but also highlighted Rashid Khan’s status as one of the most lethal bowlers in modern cricket.
🌟 The Record-Breaking Spell: Rashid Khan’s Spin Masterclass
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s bowling talisman, delivered a devastating spell of 5 for 19 that completely broke Bangladesh’s chase. His combination of sharp leg-breaks and deceptive googlies left the opposition clueless, showcasing once again why he is regarded as the best T20 and ODI spinner in the world today.
His sixth five-wicket haul means he now shares the record with Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq — both of whom are considered bowling icons in ODI history.
📊 Rashid Khan’s ODI Bowling Record (as of 2025)
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 108 |
| Wickets | 192 |
| Bowling Average | 18.75 |
| Economy Rate | 4.18 |
| Best Figures | 7/18 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 6 |
These numbers prove Rashid’s unmatched consistency. His average and economy rate place him among the top 10 ODI bowlers of all time.
🧠 What Makes Rashid Khan’s Bowling So Deadly?
- Deceptive Wrist Spin: Rashid’s quick-arm action makes it almost impossible to read his googly.
- Accuracy and Control: Even on batting-friendly pitches, he rarely misses his lengths.
- Mental Toughness: Rashid thrives under pressure. Whether defending low totals or breaking key partnerships, he delivers.
- Game Intelligence: His field setups and anticipation of batsmen’s moves make him tactically brilliant.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan’s Rise Under Rashid Khan
Afghanistan’s cricket journey continues to inspire the world. From being ICC Associate Members a decade ago to defeating full-member nations regularly, the team’s transformation has been extraordinary — and Rashid Khan has been at its core.
The 26-year-old leg-spinner has not only become a global T20 icon but also Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs and T20Is. His leadership, composure, and ability to change matches single-handedly have redefined Afghan cricket.
🏟️ Match Overview: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh (2nd ODI, 2025)
The match at Abu Dhabi had everything — early wickets, batting collapses, and a Rashid Khan special.
1️⃣ Afghanistan Bat First: Struggle Yet Steady
Afghanistan, batting first, were bowled out for 190 runs in 44.5 overs. Despite a few early setbacks, Ibrahim Zadran held firm, crafting a brilliant 95 off 112 balls. His innings included eight boundaries and one six, anchoring Afghanistan’s innings when wickets kept tumbling around him.
2️⃣ Bangladesh Collapse: Rashid’s Moment of Magic
In reply, Bangladesh’s batting lineup was ripped apart for just 109 runs in 28.3 overs. The pitch offered grip, but Rashid made it look unplayable. He bowled with aggression, flight, and control — claiming wickets in clusters.
Rashid Khan’s Figures:
🎯 9 overs, 2 maidens, 19 runs, 5 wickets
The crowd roared as Rashid claimed his fifth wicket, equaling the records of two Pakistani greats.
⚔️ Rashid Joins Legendary Company
Here’s how Rashid Khan’s record compares with other greats of ODI bowling:
| Bowler | Country | 5-Wicket Hauls | Career Wickets | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 13 | 416 | 7/36 |
| Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 10 | 534 | 7/30 |
| Brett Lee | Australia | 9 | 380 | 5/22 |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 9 | 395 | 7/12 |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 9 | 239 | 6/28 |
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 6 | 502 | 5/15 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 6 | 288 | 5/20 |
| Mohammed Shami | India | 6 | 195 | 6/34 |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | 6 | 210 | 7/34 |
| Lance Klusener | South Africa | 6 | 192 | 6/49 |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 6 | 192 | 7/18 |
Rashid’s inclusion in this list places him in elite company, with bowling legends who dominated across eras.
💬 Rashid’s Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the match, Rashid said:
“It’s a proud moment to be mentioned alongside players like Wasim bhai and Saqlain bhai. I grew up watching them — they inspired me to spin the ball both ways. For Afghanistan, every win means something special. We’re building something bigger.”
😢 Injury Blow: Rahmat Shah’s Calf Issue
Despite the victory, Afghanistan suffered a major setback when Rahmat Shah sustained a calf injury during the match. He was visibly in pain, collapsed while running between the wickets, and had to be taken off the field in a wheelchair.
Team physio Nirmalan Thanabalasingam later confirmed:
“Rahmat will undergo scans tomorrow. It seems serious — he might be out for a few weeks.”
The crowd gave Rahmat a standing ovation, recognizing his bravery as he briefly returned to bat before collapsing again. His absence in the final ODI will be deeply felt.
🧩 Cricketory Insights: Key Takeaways from the Match
🧠 Insight 1: Rashid’s Evolution from T20 Star to ODI Match-Winner
While Rashid built his fame through T20 leagues, his dominance in ODIs is now undeniable. His ability to adapt longer spells and maintain control across 10 overs makes him the most impactful spinner in modern ODIs.
🔥 Insight 2: Bangladesh’s Struggles Against Spin
Bangladesh’s inability to handle quality spin remains their biggest Achilles’ heel. Rashid, Mujeeb, and Nabi consistently outplayed them with drift and pace variation, exposing their technique once again.
📈 Insight 3: Afghanistan’s Balanced Attack
Beyond Rashid, Afghanistan’s bowling depth deserves credit. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s early swing and Nabi’s tight middle overs gave Rashid the freedom to attack. This balance has made Afghanistan a top-six ODI team in world rankings.
🏆 Afghanistan Seal ODI Series 2–0
The win gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series, a result that will boost their ICC ODI Super League standing and team morale ahead of next year’s major tournaments.
The series win also marks Afghanistan’s fourth consecutive bilateral ODI series victory, following triumphs over Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka earlier in 2025.
📺 Broadcast & Streaming Details
| Region | Broadcaster | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Ariana TV | Rabbithole App |
| Bangladesh | Gazi TV (GTV) | Rabbithole BD |
| Pakistan | Ten Sports | Tamasha |
| India | Star Sports Network | FanCode |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket | SkyGo |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow App |
| Global | ICC.tv | ICC.tv |
Fans across the world tuned in to witness Rashid’s magic, making it one of the most-watched ODI matches of the year.
🧮 Rashid Khan vs Global Spin Greats
| Player | Matches | Wickets | 5W Hauls | Economy | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan | 108 | 192 | 6 | 4.18 | 18.75 |
| Muralitharan | 350 | 534 | 10 | 3.93 | 23.1 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 169 | 288 | 6 | 4.29 | 21.8 |
| Shane Warne | 194 | 293 | 1 | 4.25 | 25.7 |
| Imran Tahir | 107 | 173 | 3 | 4.62 | 24.8 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 89 | 132 | 2 | 5.1 | 28.9 |
Rashid’s economy and strike rate outshine even Muralitharan’s early years, showing just how effective he is in white-ball formats.
🏏 Rashid Khan’s ODI Career Timeline
- 2015: ODI debut vs Zimbabwe
- 2016: First 5-wicket haul vs Ireland
- 2018: Becomes fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets (44 matches)
- 2023: Captains Afghanistan in World Cup; finishes among top wicket-takers
- 2025: Equals Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq’s 5-for record
🔮 What’s Next for Rashid Khan?
Afghanistan will play the third ODI on Tuesday, followed by a T20I series against Bangladesh. Rashid is expected to be rested, given the heavy schedule ahead — including the Series and T20 World Cup.
Experts predict Rashid could break Waqar Younis’s record of 13 five-wicket hauls by 2030 if he maintains his current form.
🤔 FAQs About Rashid Khan’s ODI Record
Q1: How many five-wicket hauls does Rashid Khan have in ODIs?
👉 Rashid has six five-wicket hauls, equaling Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq.Q2: Who holds the record for most ODI five-wicket hauls?
👉 Pakistan’s Waqar Younis, with 13.Q3: Against which team did Rashid achieve his sixth five-wicket haul?
👉 Against Bangladesh in the 2nd ODI at Abu Dhabi in 2025.Q4: How many ODI wickets does Rashid Khan have overall?
👉 He has taken 192 wickets in 108 matches.Q5: What was Rashid Khan’s best ODI bowling performance?
👉 His career-best figures are 7 for 18, one of the best in ODI history.🏁 Final Thoughts
Rashid Khan’s journey is a story of hard work, discipline, and unmatched skill. From the streets of Nangarhar to the grand stage of world cricket, Rashid continues to make Afghanistan proud.
By equaling legends Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq, he has ensured his name will forever be mentioned among the greatest bowlers in ODI history.
And as Afghanistan’s rise continues, one thing is certain — where there’s Rashid Khan, there’s magic. 🌟