Auckland [New Zealand], Oct 30: Indian speedster Arshdeep Singh made history on Friday by becoming the first Indian bowler to reach the milestone of 150 wickets in the T20I format. The left-arm pacer achieved the feat in 103 matches and 99 innings at an average of 20.62 and an economy rate of 8.65, with best bowling figures of 5/51.

Arshdeep is now the ninth-highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket. He is also only the third fast bowler to claim at least 150 wickets in the format, joining New Zealand's Tim Southee and Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman in a list largely dominated by spinners. Afghanistan's Rashid Khan leads the standings with 200 wickets, making him the only bowler to have reached the 200-wicket mark in T20Is.

The Indian pacer also set a new benchmark for the most wickets taken by a bowler representing a Full Member nation in a calendar year. With 40 wickets under his belt in 2026, he surpassed Ireland's Josh Little, who claimed 39 wickets in 2022. Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (38 in 2024) and India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar (37 in 2022) complete the top four.

Arshdeep achieved the milestone by dismissing New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner in the penultimate over of the fourth T20I between India and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. In the match, Arshdeep finished with figures of 1/38, conceding the fewest runs among the Indian bowlers who completed their full quota of four overs.

Meanwhile, New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips dominated the first innings, blasting 107 off just 49 deliveries. His knock helped the hosts post a formidable total of 260 runs. Having already clinched the five-match series with a 3-0 lead, India will now look to extend their winning run and make it 4-0 despite the daunting target. (With inputs from ANI)