Left-arm pace sensation Arshdeep Singh has officially etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history! On Friday, in a captivating Asia Cup encounter against Oman, the 26-year-old bowler became the first Indian to claim 100 wickets in Men’s T20 Internationals. This remarkable achievement came in his very first match of the tournament.
Despite sitting out India’s initial two games, Arshdeep made a sensational return to the playing XI, stepping in for Jasprit Bumrah. The historic moment arrived when he dismissed Vinayak Shukla in the final over of Oman’s chase of 189 runs, firmly securing his legendary status.
India’s Arshdeep Singh celebrates reaching 100 T20I wickets (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Earlier in the match, India set a challenging target, posting 188/8 after electing to bat first. Sanju Samson led the charge with a well-composed 56 off 45 balls, receiving crucial support from Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel, and Tilak Varma, which helped propel the team to a formidable total.
Arshdeep’s journey to his 100th wicket is a testament to his consistent rise in international cricket. Since his debut in 2022, he has forged a reputation for delivering impactful performances, baffling batters with his swing upfront and pinpoint accuracy during death overs. His impressive career statistics now boast 100 wickets from just 64 matches, placing him among an elite group of only 25 players globally to achieve this feat.
Among his most memorable spells is his outstanding 4 for 9 against the USA during the 2024 T20 World Cup, a performance that perfectly encapsulated his prowess with the new ball. Following that tournament, he has continued his excellent form, picking up 20 wickets in 11 matches, solidifying his indispensable role in India’s T20 setup.
As India’s bowlers build on this momentum, their focus shifts to the upcoming Super Four stage, where a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 21 awaits as their sternest challenge yet. However, for Arshdeep Singh, this night will forever be remembered for that single, historic delivery that earned him his 100th wicket and a permanent spot in India’s rich cricketing history.