Muhammad Waseem breaks Rohit Sharma T20I record as UAE cricket finds itself in the spotlight. The UAE captain achieved this historic milestone during a tri-series clash against Afghanistan in Sharjah, proving once again that cricket’s power hitters are not limited to the big cricketing nations. Waseem’s explosive batting performance has now placed him above one of the finest T20 cricketers of all time, India’s Rohit Sharma.
This article looks at how Waseem accomplished the record, why it matters, and what it means for UAE cricket going forward.
The Record-Breaking Knock
In Sharjah, UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem smashed a blistering 67 runs off just 37 balls against Afghanistan. His innings included six massive sixes and four boundaries, giving UAE a flying start. The highlight of his knock came when he hit back-to-back sixes against spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman. These two shots not only electrified the crowd but also helped him surpass Rohit Sharma’s record for the most sixes hit by a captain in T20 internationals.
Before this match, Rohit Sharma held the record with 105 sixes as captain. Waseem overtook him, reaching 110 sixes in only 54 innings. Rohit had achieved his tally in 62 innings, which highlights the rapid pace at which Waseem has climbed the rankings.
Most Sixes as Captain in T20Is
Here is a quick look at the updated list of six-hitting captains:
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – 110 sixes
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 105 sixes
- Eoin Morgan (England) – 86 sixes
Waseem’s name now sits at the very top, a remarkable achievement for a player leading a team from an associate cricket nation.
Second on the All-Time List
While this particular milestone focuses on sixes as captain, Waseem has also moved up in the overall list of most sixes in T20 internationals. By surpassing New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, he now sits second on the all-time leaderboard.
The current top three are:
- Rohit Sharma – 205 sixes
- Muhammad Waseem – 174+ sixes
- Martin Guptill – 173 sixes
This puts Waseem just behind Rohit Sharma, who remains the undisputed six-hitting king of T20 cricket. However, given Waseem’s pace, he could soon push for the world record if he continues to play in the same fashion.
Why This Record Matters
A Historic Moment for UAE Cricket
The United Arab Emirates is an associate member in international cricket. Unlike full-member nations such as India, Australia, or England, UAE does not regularly play top-tier tournaments against the best teams. Waseem’s record-breaking performance gives the team global recognition and proves that associate nations can also produce world-class cricketers.
Leadership Through Performance
As captain, Waseem’s record is about more than personal numbers. It reflects leadership by example. His aggressive batting style inspires confidence in his teammates, showing them that UAE cricket can compete with the best.
Recognition Beyond the Powerhouses
T20 cricket has been dominated by players from major cricketing nations. By overtaking someone like Rohit Sharma, Waseem has challenged that dominance and brought a new storyline into international cricket.
Match Summary
Despite Waseem’s remarkable batting, UAE could not secure victory in the match. Afghanistan posted a strong total of 188 for 4, powered by Ibrahim Zadran’s 63 runs off 40 balls and Sediqullah Atal’s 54 off 30. UAE fought back during the chase but fell short, finishing with 150 for 8 and losing by 38 runs.
While the result was disappointing for UAE, Waseem’s record became the main talking point. Even in defeat, his performance gave fans plenty to celebrate.
Muhammad Waseem’s Rise
Muhammad Waseem was born in Pakistan in 1996 before moving to the UAE. He made his T20 international debut in 2021 and quickly established himself as one of the most aggressive openers in associate cricket. Since then, he has played more than 70 T20 internationals and scored over 2,500 runs. His record includes multiple centuries and more than 20 half-centuries.
Waseem’s natural stroke play, combined with his fearless approach, has made him the cornerstone of UAE’s batting lineup. As captain, he has shown that his leadership comes through performance, not just strategy.
What Comes Next
For UAE
This record could be a turning point for UAE cricket. With more attention on the team, they have a chance to attract stronger opponents and gain more international exposure. It could also inspire the next generation of cricketers in the UAE to take up the sport seriously.
For Muhammad Waseem
On a personal level, Waseem now has the chance to chase down Rohit Sharma’s world record of 205 sixes in T20 internationals. With more matches on the horizon, especially in tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC qualifiers, he could realistically aim to reach that milestone within the next couple of years.
For Associate Cricket
This achievement proves that associate nations should not be underestimated. It highlights the need for more fixtures involving teams like UAE, Ireland, and Scotland against full-member nations. Records like Waseem’s help break down barriers and make cricket a truly global sport.
Conclusion
Muhammad Waseem breaks Rohit Sharma T20I record, and in doing so, he has written a new chapter in cricket history. His 110 sixes as captain in just 54 innings highlight both his individual talent and his leadership qualities.
For UAE cricket, this is a landmark moment that shines a global spotlight on their team. For Waseem, it is a career-defining milestone that puts him among the giants of the game. As he continues to push toward the overall six-hitting record, fans will watch closely to see if the UAE captain can dethrone Rohit Sharma completely in the years to come.
This is not just a personal record for Muhammad Waseem; it is a triumph for UAE cricket and associate nations around the world.
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