Hardik Pandya chasing Asia Cup history but Rashid Khan stands in his path

The Asia Cup has always been about big moments, but this year’s spotlight belongs to the bowlers. And at the centre of it is Hardik Pandya, who suddenly finds himself within touching distance of one of the tournament’s biggest records: Most wickets in T20 Asia Cup history.

The Numbers Behind the Chase

So far, Hardik has picked up 11 wickets in just 8 T20 Asia Cup matches. That’s impressive, but what makes it intriguing is how close he is to the top. Sitting at No. 1 on the list is Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who grabbed 13 wickets in only 6 matches, including a stunning 5 for 4 against Afghanistan in 2022, still the best figures ever in the competition. Hardik needs just 3 more wickets to surpass Bhuvneshwar and write his name into the record books.

But here’s the twist. He’s not the only one eyeing that milestone. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s talisman, has quietly moved into second place with 12 wickets in 9 games, after taking 1 for 24 against Hong Kong. That puts him one ahead of Hardik, and just one shy of tying Bhuvi’s record.

The Competition Heats Up

This isn’t just a two-horse race either. Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka has 9 wickets, while Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz and Haris Rauf, along with Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, are all sitting on 8 wickets. One inspired spell could change the entire leaderboard.

But the headline clash remains Hardik vs Rashid. Both are strike bowlers, both thrive under pressure, and both carry the expectations of their nations. Every match now feels like a mini-battle within the bigger tournament.

Why It Matters

For Hardik, this record would be more than just statistics. It’s a statement of consistency in a tournament where all-rounders are usually measured by runs. For Rashid, it would cement his legacy as one of Asia’s most feared bowlers, matching the hype that has followed him across T20 leagues worldwide.

The Final Word

What’s certain is that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record will not survive this edition. Whether it’s Hardik Pandya with his clever variations or Rashid Khan with his deadly googlies, the Asia Cup’s bowling crown is about to change hands.