Oman pacer Bilal Khan on Wednesday (July 24) created history by breaking the record for the fastest player to reach 100 wickets in ODIs as a fast bowler.
The left-handed bowler achieved the record during the ICC CWC League 2 match between Oman and Namibia in Dundee. Oman won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision was much justified by the bowlers as they restricted Namibia to a modest total of 196/9 in 50 overs.
Bilal Khan shone with the ball for Oman, taking 3 wickets for 50 runs in his 10 overs, while Fayyaz Butt claimed two wickets. For Namibia, Malan Kruger top-scored with the bat, scoring 73 runs with the help of 6 fours. Players like Michael van Lingen (40) and JJ Smit (41) also made useful contributions with the bat.
Talking about Bilal Khan’s record, the Oman player created history when he dismissed Jan Frylinck in the 21st over. It was his 100th wicket in an ODI and helped him become the fastest Oman player to achieve the record in the 50-over format. Bilal Khan reached the milestone in just 49 ODIs.
The record was previously held by Pakistani star Shaheen Afridi, who had taken his 100th ODI wicket in his 51st ODI match. Overall, Bilal Khan is the third-fastest to take 100 ODI wickets. The overall record is held by Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who achieved the feat in just 42 ODIs. Afghan superstar Rashid Khan is second in terms of taking 100 ODI wickets in 44 matches.
Here is the list of players who took the fastest 100 wickets in ODIs:
- Sandeep Lamichhane – 42 ODIs
- Rashid Khan – 44 ODIs
- Bilal Khan – 49 ODIs
- Shaheen Afridi – 51 ODIs
- Mitchell Starc – 52 ODI
Here is the list of the fastest players to reach 100 wickets in ODIs:
- Bilal Khan – 49 ODIs
- Shaheen Afridi – 51 ODIs
- Mitchell Starc – 52 ODI
- Shane Bond – 54 ODI
- Mustafizur Rahman – 54 ODIs
Bilal Khan also became the first Omani player to reach 100 wickets in ODIs. So far, he has taken 101 wickets in 49 ODIs at a brilliant average of 20.97. He has an economy rate of just over 5 in ODIs.
Oman beat Namibia:
Talking about the game, Oman beat Namibia by 4 wickets. Chasing 197 runs, Oman chased down the total with 5 balls remaining and 4 wickets in hand. Captain Aqib Ilyas led the charge with the bat, scoring 68 while Khalid Kail (43) and Shoaib Khan (26*) also played crucial knocks.
