Shakib Al Hasan Done his 502* wickets in t20 international
Shakib Al Hasan, the enigmatic all-rounder from Bangladesh, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history as one of the greatest players in the T20 format. Known for his cunning left-arm spin, explosive batting, and unmatched versatility, Shakib's success in T20 International (T20I) cricket has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh's rise on the global stage. As of August 2025, his achievements extend beyond internationals into the broader T20 ecosystem, where he has amassed over 500 wickets and 7,000 runs—a feat no other player has accomplished. This article delves into his remarkable journey, highlighting key milestones, statistical prowess, and enduring impact.
## Early Beginnings and T20I Debut
Shakib Al Hasan's cricketing odyssey began in the dusty fields of Magura, Bangladesh, where his talent was spotted early. He made his T20I debut on November 28, 2006, against Zimbabwe in Khulna, at just 19 years old. In that match, he contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 26 runs and taking a wicket, signaling the arrival of a prodigy. Over the years, Shakib evolved into Bangladesh's go-to player in the shortest format, often turning games single-handedly with his all-round abilities.
His early T20I career was marked by consistency and leadership. By 2010, he had already established himself as the world's top-ranked all-rounder in ODIs and T20Is, a position he held multiple times. Shakib's ability to adapt to different conditions—whether spinning tracks in Asia or bouncy pitches elsewhere—made him indispensable.
## Dominance in T20I: Batting and Bowling Mastery
In T20I cricket, Shakib has played 129 matches, showcasing his dual threat. As a batsman, he has accumulated 2,551 runs at an average of 23.19 and a strike rate of 121.19. His highest score of 84 came against Pakistan in 2010, a blistering knock that included powerful strokes and quick running between the wickets. While he hasn't scored a century, Shakib boasts 13 half-centuries, often anchoring innings or providing late fireworks. He has smashed 258 fours and 53 sixes, underlining his aggressive yet calculated approach.<grok:render card_id="009b4f" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">
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On the bowling front, Shakib is even more formidable. He has claimed 149 wickets in 129 innings, bowling 2,745 balls with an impressive average of 20.92 and an economy rate of 6.81. His best figures of 5/20 came against the West Indies in 2022, a spell that dismantled a strong batting lineup. Shakib has two five-wicket hauls in T20Is, placing him among the elite bowlers in the format. As of August 2025, he ranks fourth in the all-time list for most T20I wickets, a testament to his longevity and skill.<grok:render card_id="ed9bf4" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">
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</grok:render> His ability to vary pace, flight, and turn has made him a nightmare for batters, especially in the middle overs.
Shakib's all-round contributions have been pivotal in Bangladesh's T20I successes. He was instrumental in their first T20I series win against the West Indies in 2009 and played key roles in multiple Asia Cup campaigns. In World Cups, his performances stand out: during the 2016 T20 World Cup, he took crucial wickets and scored vital runs, earning Man of the Match honors. Even in defeat, Shakib's efforts often kept Bangladesh competitive against top teams like India, Australia, and England.
## Leadership and Iconic Moments
Shakib's leadership in T20Is has been equally noteworthy. Appointed captain in 2009, he led Bangladesh to memorable victories, including a clean sweep against New Zealand in 2010. His tactical acumen—knowing when to attack or defend—elevated the team's performance. One iconic moment was the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final against India, where Shakib's calm under pressure helped set up a thrilling finish, though Bangladesh fell short.
Off the field, Shakib has faced controversies, including suspensions for disciplinary issues, but his resilience shone through. He retired from T20Is in 2024 after the World Cup, leaving a legacy that inspired a generation of Bangladeshi cricketers.
## Beyond T20I: Monumental Milestones in T20 Cricket
While Shakib's T20I record is stellar, his overall T20 career is legendary. As of August 2025, he has taken 502 wickets across all T20 cricket, becoming the fifth bowler—and the first left-arm spinner—to reach the 500-wicket mark. This milestone was achieved on August 24, 2025, during a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, where he dismissed Mohammad Rizwan to claim his 500th scalp.<grok:render card_id="b2c983" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">
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</grok:render> Complementing this, Shakib has scored 7,574 runs in T20 cricket, making him the only player in history to combine 500+ wickets with 7,000+ runs—a true all-rounder's pinnacle.<grok:render card_id="305943" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">
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His exploits in leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and CPL have amplified his global appeal. In the BPL, he has over 130 wickets, while in the CPL, he recently crossed 500 runs alongside his wicket milestone. Shakib's 44 Man of the Match awards in T20s highlight his match-winning prowess.<grok:render card_id="7c3332" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">
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## Legacy and Impact
Shakib Al Hasan's success in T20 International cricket transcends numbers. He transformed Bangladesh from underdogs to contenders, proving that skill and determination can bridge gaps in resources. His all-round excellence has drawn comparisons to legends like Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis, adapted to the modern game.
As Shakib continues to play in T20 leagues at 38, his hunger remains undiminished. For aspiring cricketers, especially in emerging nations, he is a beacon: proof that one player can redefine a team's destiny. With 502 wickets and over 7,000 runs in T20 cricket, Shakib's legacy is secure—he is not just Bangladesh's greatest, but one of the format's all-time greats.
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