Arshdeep Singh Becomes First Indian to Take 100 T20I Wickets, Fastest Pacer Globally

Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh etched his name into the record books on Friday by becoming the first Indian cricketer to take 100 wickets in T20 internationals. The 26-year-old pacer reached the milestone during India’s final Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against Oman in Abu Dhabi. Arshdeep struck in the 20th over of Oman’s innings, delivering a sharp short ball that forced Vinayak Shukla into a mistimed pull. The catch was safely taken by substitute fielder Rinku Singh, marking a historic moment for Indian cricket.

With this wicket, Arshdeep not only became the first Indian to the 100-wicket mark in T20Is, but also the fastest fast bowler in world cricket to achieve the feat, doing so in just 64 matches. Only Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (53 matches) and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (63 matches) both spinners have reached the milestone quicker. Arshdeep’s achievement surpasses that of Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, who took 71 games to reach 100 T20I wickets. Since his debut in 2022, Arshdeep has been a consistent performer for India, claiming wickets at an impressive average of 18.49.

India had more to cheer about in the same match, as Hardik Pandya climbed up the bowling charts to become the joint second-highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is. Pandya dismissed Oman’s Hammad Mirza, who was well-set on 51, with a short-ball tactic that led to a catch in the deep. That wicket brought Pandya level with spinner Yuzvendra Chahal at 96 wickets, achieved in 117 matches at an average of 26.61.

Arshdeep’s historic performance adds to India's growing bowling legacy in the shortest format, as the team looks ahead to the Super Four clash against Pakistan. With form and momentum on his side, the left-arm quick is now not just leading the Indian pace attack, but also setting global benchmarks.