(Getty Images)
Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi made history during his team’s defeat to South Africa in the first semifinal of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago on June 27.
In a historic achievement, South Africa secured their maiden final berth in the World Cup by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets in a low-scoring yet one-sided contest in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.
The first semifinal at Brian Lara Cricket Stadium witnessed a commanding performance from the South African cricket team against Afghanistan, propelling them stylishly into the T20 World Cup 2024 final.
Amid Afghanistan’s heart-wrenching loss to South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal, Fazalhaq Farooqi made history, marking both a proud and poignant moment for the Afghanistan cricket team. Their journey to the semifinals, a first in their World Cup history, has been a source of immense national pride and joy for their fans.
Despite the defeat to South Africa, Afghanistan found reason to celebrate thanks to their left-arm pacer, Fazalhaq Farooqi. He secured his place in the record books by claiming his 17th wicket of the T20 World Cup 2024, dismissing South African star Quinton de Kock.
Farooqi now holds the record for the most wickets taken by a bowler in a single edition of the T20 World Cup 2024, surpassing the previous record of 16 wickets set by Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in 2021.
Throughout the tournament, Farooqi showcased exceptional bowling prowess, tallying a total of 17 wickets in eight matches at an impressive average of 9.41 and an economy rate of 6.31. His standout performances included a five-wicket haul and a four-wicket haul, cementing his impact in the prestigious ICC event.
Arshdeep Singh is poised to challenge Farooqi’s record in a matter of hours. The Indian pacer has taken 15 wickets in six matches during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, placing him just a couple of scalps away from breaking Farooqi’s newly established milestone.
Arshdeep’s exceptional form sets the stage for him to potentially surpass the Afghan star’s record when Team India takes on England in the second semifinal on Thursday in Guyana. With India eyeing a place in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, all attention is on Arshdeep as he aims to set a new world record in the tournament. The final is scheduled for June 29 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
leading players with the most wickets in a single edition of the T20 World Cup:
Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) – 17 wickets in 2024
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 16 wickets in 2021
Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 15 wickets in 2012
Arshdeep Singh (India) – 15 wickets in 2024*
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 15 wickets in 2022
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 14 wickets in 2024
