Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has clinched 100 ODI wickets – in a mere 44 matches.

The ratio is the best in the history of the intermediate format of the international game, surpassing Australian Mitchell Starc’s 100 in 52 fixtures.

Khan built on the tally during Afghanistan’s ongoing Asia Cup campaign in the United Arab Emirates, where a semi-final berth is on offer in the wake of Sri Lanka’s early exit.

The 20-year-old was instrumental in resigning Sri Lanka from contention, snaring two key wickets in Monday’s 91-run triumph at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

He has clinched four ODI five-fors, with a career-best seven for 18 achieved against the West Indies in Gros Islet last year.

A resounding 41 of his 110 ODI wickets have been taken against Ireland, and 40 versus Zimbabwe. A dozen have been secured against West Indies and seven more versus Bangladesh. Several breakthroughs against Sri Lanka, Scotland and the UAE complete the total.

He hasn’t yet played ODI cricket against South Africa, Australia, England, Pakistan, New Zealand and other top-flight cricketing nations.

Khan captained the country for a brief period. The experienced Asghar Afghan, however, has since returned from illness and retaken the reins.

The prolific leg-spinner, who celebrates his birthday on Thursday, has also relished stints with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, Adelaide Strikers in Australia’s Big Bash League, Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League and Comilla Victorians in the Bangladesh Premier League.

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