Published: May 25, 2025, 03:24 PM
Mustafizur Rahman has etched his name in the record books by becoming the highest wicket-taker among Bangladeshi cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), overtaking the legendary Shakib Al Hasan. The milestone came during Delhi Capitals’ clash with Punjab Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday night.
In a commanding performance, the left-arm pacer picked up 3 wickets for 33 runs in his four-over spell, raising his career IPL tally to 65 wickets from 60 innings. Shakib, who held the record for years, had 63 wickets from 70 innings across nine seasons.
Mustafizur started the match on 62 wickets and wasted no time equalling Shakib’s record, dismissing opener Prabhsimran Singh in his first over, thanks to a sharp catch by Tristan Stubbs. He broke the record in the 16th over by sending back Shashank Singh, once again with Stubbs completing the catch. His third wicket came in the final over, when he removed Marco Jansen – making it three dismissals, all caught by Stubbs.
He nearly claimed a fourth when a top-edge from Marcus Stoinis went high in the air but landed safely between two fielders due to a misjudgment. Despite the near miss, Mustafizur’s spell stood out in what was a high-scoring encounter.
Punjab Kings posted 206 for 8, but Delhi Capitals chased down the target with six wickets in hand and three balls to spare. Unfortunately for Delhi, the win wasn`t enough to keep them in playoff contention, as they fell just one point short of qualification.
Joining the team late in the tournament, Mustafizur featured in only three matches this season but still managed to claim four wickets. With the IPL now behind him, the "cutter master" is set to represent Bangladesh in an upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan.
