Rashid scripts history with fastest T20 fifer

KABUL’s upcoming leg-spinner Rashid Khan has clinched the fastest five wickets haul in international cricket in just 10 balls, including a triple-wicket maiden over, against Ireland..

As a result of his career-best figures of five for just three, the 18 years old leg-spinner guided Afghanistan to an emphatic triumph over Ireland in the second T20I at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground on Friday.

The national side, electing to bat first, rattled u 184 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News.

But rain stopped proceedings when Ireland reached 65 for 2 in 6.1 overs, well ahead of the D/L par score of 53 for 2 at that stage. But when the game resumed, they were given a revised target of 111 in 11 overs -- or 46 in 29 balls.

Afghanistan captured seven wickets in 18 balls, with the opposition finishing at 93 for nine in 11 overs. Rashid was the pick bowlers, giving the fourth best T20I bowling performance.

His magic spell saw Afghanistan taking an impregnable 2-0 lead in the series and extending their longest unbeaten streak to 10 wins in the T20 format. Karim Janat, the right-arm medium pacer, took three for 24.

Najeeb Tarakai shone with the willow, smashing a breezy 90 in 58 balls, the ACB spokesman said. Mohammad Nabi chipped in with a quick-fire 34 off 15 deliveries to power the squad to a formidable total.

The teenage spin prodigy, making use of the wet spots, demolished Ireland’s batting lineup. Supported by fellow bowlers, Rashid kept the batsmen guessing with his befuddling googlies, loop and flight.

Pakistan’s Umar Gul claimed the first fifer I T20 cricket, hogging the second and third spots. But Rashid has conceded less runs than Gul.

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