Muscat – Nearly three months after earning the distinction of being the fastest from an Associate nation to reach 100 T20I wickets, Oman’s Bilal Khan has achieved yet another remarkable career milestone. This time around, he has set a world record by becoming the pace bowler to reach 100 One-Day International (ODI) wickets the fastest.

Bilal surpassed the previous record set by Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi by claiming his 100th wicket against Namibia during an ICC World Cricket League 2 game in Dundee, Scotland on July 24.

He reached the milestone in just 49 ODIs, dismissing Namibia’s Jan Frylinck to achieve the feat. Bilal’s effort bettered Afridi’s 100-wicket haul in 51 ODIs, and also surpassed Australia’s Mitchell Starc (52 ODIs) and New Zealand’s Shane Bond (54 ODIs).

Overall, Bilal is the third fastest to 100 ODI wickets. The record is held by Nepal’s leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who achieved the feat in just 42 ODIs, followed by Afghanistan’s leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who took 100 ODI wickets in 44 games.

Speaking from Dundee after achieving the milestone, Bilal thanked team coach Duleep Mendis, bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake, Oman Cricket board chairman Pankaj Khimji, and other OC personnel and support staff.

Born in Peshawar, Pakistan, Bilal informed that his elder brother, who played domestic cricket in their hometown, has been a source of inspiration and influence in his cricketing career.

“I hope I am remembered as a bowler who represented Oman at the highest level. Breaking these records as an Oman bowler has been a proud moment for me. Achieving this feat is very satisfying. There can’t be bigger joy for me than putting Oman in the spotlight with two world-class achievements in a span of three months,” he said.

On the latest record, Bilal recounted, “I knew going into the match that I needed two more wickets for the record. I had Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus dismissed for my 99th and then trapped Jan Frylinck leg before for my 100th wicket. It was definitely a special moment.”

Besides Bilal’s 100th ODI wicket, Mendis’ boys also secured their first win in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 by defeating Namibia by four wickets, earning their first full two points. Bilal ended the match with figures of 3/50.

In the four matches played, Oman has lost two – one each to Scotland and Namibia – while the opening match of the tri-series against Scotland was washed out.