Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], Afghanistan’s top spinner Rashid Khan became the third-fastest player to achieve 150 Indian Premier League (IPL) wickets, surpassing the record held by India’s top pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Rashid accomplished the historic feat against the Punjab Kings in the Gujarat Titans’ season opener. In Titan’s tight 11-run loss, he only managed one wicket, but it was enough to surpass Bumrah and make him the third-fastest player in the lucrative league to collect 150 wickets.

With 150 wickets in 122 games, Rashid’s incredible total is only surpassed by Lasith Malinga (105) and Yuzvendra Chahal (118). In two matches less than Bumrah’s 124, Rashid reached the 150-wicket milestone.

When one looks outside the domain of getting wickets, the Afghanistan ball tweaker’s skill with the ball is evident. In the legendary list of wicket-takers, Sunil Narine (6.73 vs. 6.83) is the only player with a better economy than Rashid, while only Malinga (19.79 vs. 22.00) has a higher average.

By successfully using his legbreak googly, the 26-year-old ball tweaker has prospered in the lucrative division. However, on a calm batting strip in Ahmedabad, Rashid was exposed by the Punjab Kings.

Rashid lost and beautifully spilled runs throughout his four-over session, which was in contrast to his frugal style. He returned with only the wicket of debutant Priyansh Arya after giving up 48 runs at an economy of 12.00.

Following the powerplay, the Kings were dominating the first inning and scoring runs at a pace of more than twelve. The home team needed a breakthrough, so captain Shubman Gill used Rashid, his secret weapon.

He enticed Priyansh to overshoot with a tossed-up delivery that lacked bounce and spin. Sai Sudharsan made a simple catch after Priyansh threw away a huge top edge, sending the batsman back to the dressing room with a quick 47(23).

Rashid’s sole bright spot was Priyansh’s scalp. Rashid was thrashed across the park for the remainder of the evening as PBKS sped to 243/5. With a scorching 97*, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer stole the show, while Shashank Singh added the final touches with a 44*.

Although GT gained some momentum in their home den in response, they were unable to meet the objective by 11 runs.