Fazalhaq Farooqi Breaks Record in ICC T20 World Cup Semifinal Against South Africa

Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, June 27: Afghanistan’s left-arm fast bowler, Fazalhaq Farooqi, made history by becoming the bowler with the most wickets in a single edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. This milestone was achieved during the semifinal match against South Africa.

Farooqi took the wicket of South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, finishing with figures of 1/11 in two overs. In the ongoing tournament, Farooqi has taken 17 wickets in eight games, with an average of 9.41 and an economy rate of 6.31. His best bowling figures are 5/9, making him the leading wicket-taker in the competition so far.

Previously, the record was held by Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 16 wickets in the 2021 edition held in the UAE. Other notable bowlers include Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis and India’s Arshdeep Singh, each with 15 wickets in different editions.

In the match, Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. However, South African pacers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen quickly reduced Afghanistan to 28/6. Despite efforts from Karim Janat and skipper Rashid Khan, Afghanistan was bowled out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs. Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen were the top bowlers for South Africa, each taking three wickets.

In their run-chase, South Africa lost de Kock early but Reeza Hendricks and skipper Aiden Markram guided their team to victory in 8.5 overs. This win ended South Africa’s winless streak in World Cup semifinals and took them to their first-ever final. Marco Jansen was named ‘Player of the Match’.