Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman reached a significant milestone in his T20 cricket career, claiming his 300th wicket during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Visakhapatnam, Mustafizur achieved this feat, becoming the second bowler from Bangladesh to accomplish such a feat.
Despite being a bit expensive during the match, conceding 47 runs in four overs with an economy rate of 11.80, Mustafizur managed to dismiss the dangerous David Warner. This marked his 300th wicket in T20s, a testament to his skill and longevity in the shortest format of the game.
In a career spanning 243 T20 matches, Mustafizur has taken 300 wickets at an impressive average of 21.71 and a striking rate of 17.4. His best bowling figures stand at an impressive 5/22. Within these matches, he has also claimed six four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to dismantle batting line-ups.
His compatriot and star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, also holds an impressive record in T20 cricket. With 482 wickets in 428 matches at an average of 21.19, Shakib is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in this format.
However, the title of the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket belongs to the West Indies’ legendary all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo. Bravo boasts an astounding 625 wickets in 573 T20 matches, with an average of 24.29. His best bowling figures of 5/23 and numerous four-wicket and five-wicket hauls highlight his dominance in this format.
In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Mustafizur has been in fine form, earning the ‘Purple Cap’ for the most wickets. With seven wickets in three matches at an average of 15.14, including a best of 4/29, he has been a standout performer for CSK.
Shifting focus to the match between CSK and DC, DC won the toss and chose to bat first. Opening batsmen David Warner (52 off 35 balls) and Prithvi Shaw (43 off 27 balls) provided a solid start with a 93-run partnership. However, after their dismissals, DC struggled until Rishabh Pant’s quick-fire 51 off 32 balls propelled them to 191/5 in their 20 overs.
CSK’s bowlers faced a tough challenge, with Matheesha Pathirana impressing with figures of 3/31. In response, CSK’s chase of 192 started shakily, with Khaleel Ahmed (2/21) and Mukesh Kumar (3/21) causing early trouble. Despite useful contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (45 off 30 balls), Daryl Mitchell (34 off 26 balls), and a late blitz from MS Dhoni (37* off 16 balls), CSK fell short, finishing at 171/6.
Khaleel Ahmed was rightfully awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his impactful bowling performance, which helped DC secure a 20-run victory.
With this result, CSK finds themselves in the second spot with two wins and a loss, totaling four points. On the other hand, DC sits in the seventh spot with one win and two losses, accumulating two points.
As the IPL 2024 season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling performances from Mustafizur Rahman, who continues to be a vital asset for Chennai Super Kings with his wicket-taking abilities.
