Shadab Khan Breaks Afridi Record With Match-Winning BBL Spell

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan added another milestone to his growing career during Sydney Thunder’s clash against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. Playing at Manuka Oval on Monday night, Shadab delivered a spell that changed the game and rewrote Pakistan’s T20 record books.

Playing for Sydney Thunder, Shadab delivered an impressive spell, picking up four wickets while conceding just 24 runs in his four overs. Those wickets took him past Shahid Afridi, making him Pakistan’s fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket.

Shahid Afridi wrapped up his career with 347 wickets from 329 matches. Shadab has now moved ahead with 351 wickets in only 325 games, maintaining a tidy economy rate of 7.58. Among Pakistani bowlers, only Wahab Riaz has more T20 wickets, with 413, while Rashid Khan remains the leading wicket-taker worldwide.

Thunder Build the Platform

Openers Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes put together a strong century stand that gave the innings shape. Konstas played with control for his 63 from 45 balls, while Gilkes looked fluent throughout his 76 off 48 deliveries.

Sam Billings lifted the tempo late with a quick 25 from 11 balls. Captain David Warner, however, could not get going and departed for seven. Thunder closed their innings on 193 for four, a total that felt competitive on a good surface.

For Brisbane Heat, Shaheen Afridi returned figures of one for 35, while Jack Wildermuth and Matthew Kuhnemann chipped in with wickets.

Shadab Seals the Result

Chasing 194, Heat never found rhythm, and Shadab made an impact from the start and continued to strike at crucial stages, dismissing Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, and Matt Renshaw. Although Renshaw top-scored in the run chase with 43, his innings came under constant pressure and never fully settled.

Hugh Weibgen and Max Bryant showed brief resistance, yet the required rate kept climbing. Brisbane finished on 159 for six, handing Thunder a 34-run win and their first victory of the season.

On a night that delivered points, momentum, and history, Shadab Khan stood at the center of it all.