Shakib Al Hasan joins elite club with 7,000 T20 runs

Shakib Al Hasan, the maestro of Bangladeshi cricket, etched his name in the annals of Twenty20 cricket history by becoming only the second player to amass a staggering 7,000 runs in the shortest game format along with 400 wickets. 

The milestone was achieved during a scintillating match between Rangpur Riders and Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) showdown at Mirpur today.

Shakib's remarkable feat follows in the footsteps of fellow Bangladeshi cricketer Tamim Iqbal, who first breached the 7,000-run mark in this format as a Bangladeshi batter. 

Before today's match, Shakib was tantalizingly close to the milestone, trailing a mere eight runs. His journey to 7,000 runs spanned an impressive 387 innings, adorned with 29 half-centuries and a highest score of 89.

During the electrifying encounter, the 36-year-old all-rounder elevated his tally to 7,019 runs, before being caught behind off Salahuddin Sakil's delivery after a spirited knock of 27 runs from just 16 balls.

In a striking comparison, Tamim Iqbal's ascent to the 7,000-run pinnacle in T20s came through 254 innings, a feat accomplished in 133 innings less than Shakib.

Among the Bangladeshi batting stalwarts, Shakib's feat stands tall, with Mushfiqur Rahim trailing behind in third place with 5,619 runs in 246 innings, closely pursued by Mahmudullah with 5,576 runs in 280 innings.

In T20 internationals (T20Is), Shakib is Bangladesh's leading run-scorer, amassing 2,382 runs in 116 innings and boasting an average of 23.82. His T20I record is adorned with 12 half-centuries and a top score of 84.

The list of Bangladesh's highest run-scorers in T20s now stands as follows:

1. Tamim Iqbal - 7,386 runs (254 innings)
2. Shakib Al Hasan - 7,019 runs (387 innings)
3. Mushfiqur Rahim - 5,619 runs (246 innings)
4. Mahmudullah - 5,576 runs (280 innings)
5. Liton Das - 4,273 runs (188 innings)