At just 26 years old, Rashid has long been recognized as one of the most influential bowlers in T20 cricket. On Tuesday, during the SA20 Qualifier 1 match against Paarl Royals, he bowled out Dunith Wellalage to surpass Bravo's record of 631 wickets, marking a new chapter in his career.
"I never imagined this day would come," Rashid said after his team's victory. "If you'd asked me 10 years ago if I would achieve this, I would've never believed it. It's an incredibly proud moment to be from Afghanistan and to reach this level. DJ [Bravo] is one of the finest T20 bowlers, and it's a huge honor to top this list. I look forward to continuing my journey."
Rashid began his T20 career as a teenager in October 2015, and in less than a decade, he has become one of the most dominant figures in the format. With nearly 500 matches to his name, Rashid has left an indelible impact on major tournaments including the IPL, PSL, CPL, BPL, and The Hundred.
Known for his deceptive wrist spin, Rashid's ability to bowl fast through the air while maintaining an air of mystery has made him a constant challenge for batters. His unpredictable turn forces many to play him cautiously, rather than attempting aggressive shots.
Over the years, Rashid has evolved into a well-rounded cricketer. His explosive batting, especially in the lower order, has made him a valuable asset, with his signature "snake shot" - a wrist-flick that powers yorkers to the boundary - becoming a crowd favorite.
His all-round prowess was evident during the IPL 2018 playoffs when he smacked 34 off just 10 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad, then turned in an outstanding 3 for 19 with the ball, along with two crucial catches.
After the SA20, Rashid will return to international duty with Afghanistan for the Champions Trophy before heading back to the IPL, where he will play for the Gujarat Titans.