Arshdeep Singh surpasses Haris Rauf to script a remarkable milestone in T20I cricket as a pacer

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Indian left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the fastest bowler among pacers to reach 100 wickets in T20I cricket, achieving this feat in just 64 matches during India‘s Asia Cup 2025 encounter against Oman on September 19, 2025. The 26-year-old pacer’s achievement places him at the pinnacle of T20 International bowling excellence and marks a significant milestone for Indian cricket.

Arshdeep’s achievement has significant implications for international cricket rankings as he overtook Pakistan’s Haris Rauf to claim the record for fastest pacer to 100 T20I wickets. While Rauf needed 71 matches to reach the century mark, Arshdeep accomplished this milestone seven matches earlier, demonstrating his exceptional wicket-taking ability since his international debut in July 2022.

The milestone wicket came during the final over of Oman’s chase when Arshdeep dismissed Vinayak Shukla with a short delivery that forced an awkward pull shot. The ball was safely pouched by substitute fielder Rinku Singh at deep mid-wicket, sealing India’s 21-run victory.

Among full-member nations, Arshdeep now stands as the third-fastest bowler overall to reach 100 T20I wickets, trailing only Afghanistan‘s Rashid Khan (53 matches) and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (63 matches). This places him ahead of notable fast bowlers including Ireland’s Mark Adair (72 matches).

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Arshdeep has achieved what no other Indian bowler could accomplish before him becoming the first Indian player to reach 100 wickets in T20 International cricket. This groundbreaking achievement places him ahead of established Indian bowling stalwarts including Yuzvendra Chahal and Hardik Pandya who are currently tied at 96 wickets each.

His career statistics showcase remarkable efficiency with 100 wickets coming from 1,329 deliveries at an average of 18.37, representing the best average for a seamer from a Full Member nation. The achievement comes after an eight-month wait as Arshdeep was stuck on 99 wickets following India’s decision to bench him during matches against England in January 2025. His inclusion in the Asia Cup provided the perfect platform to complete this historic achievement and cement his position as India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 international cricket.

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