Arshdeep Singh creates history as fastest pacer to 100 T20I wickets

Arshdeep Singh has etched his name into cricketing history, becoming the fastest fast bowler to claim 100 wickets in men’s T20 internationals. The 25-year-old left-arm seamer, who debuted for India in 2022, reached the milestone in his 64th match, surpassing Pakistan’s Haris Rauf (71 matches) and Ireland’s Mark Adair (72).

The feat also makes Arshdeep the first Indian to achieve the century mark in T20I wickets, underlining his rapid rise as a specialist in the shortest format. Only Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (53 matches) and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (63) have reached the milestone quicker among players from full member nations.

Arshdeep’s long wait to reach 100 wickets ended on September 19 during the Asia Cup clash against Oman. Having been benched for months and overlooked in earlier games of the tournament, he finally returned to the XI and dismissed Vinayak Shukla with a short delivery in the final over. Rinku Singh completed the catch, sparking celebrations as Arshdeep entered uncharted territory for Indian pacers.

While his overall figures on the day — 4-0-37-1 — reflected some rust after a lengthy layoff, the moment carried historic weight. Since his debut against New Zealand three years ago, Arshdeep has been India’s go-to wicket-taker in the powerplay and at the death, often thriving under pressure.

With the milestone behind him, Arshdeep not only stands as India’s leading T20I wicket-taker but also as a trailblazer — setting the benchmark for pace bowlers worldwide in cricket’s most explosive format.