T20 Blast 2021

Watch: Rashid Khan smashes down-the-track Dhoni-esque helicopter in incredible knockout-winning cameo

by Wisden Staff August 25, 2021 - 5:11pm 2 minute read

Watch: Rashid Khan, who is fast emerging as a reliable batter lower down the order, produced yet another incredible cameo as he guided Sussex into the semi-final of the T20 Blast on Tuesday.

Needing 178 runs to win against Yorkshire, Sussex were 135-4 when they lost Delray Rawlins, needing 43 runs in 21 balls. Rashid, coming in at six, displayed his improved batting skills, smashing an unbeaten 27 off just nine deliveries with the help of three boundaries and two sixes.

However, it was a six in the 18th over of the innings that caught everyone’s attention. Facing fast bowler Jordan Thompson, Rashid unleashed a Dhoni-esque helicopter shot during the second ball of the over. Rashid came down the track after Thompson sent down a full-pitched delivery around the off-stump, smacking a huge six to bring down the equation to 27 of 16.

With his side needing another 22 off 12 deliveries, Rashid then went on to hit three successive fours off the bowling of David Willey to help Sussex closer to the finish line.

This is not the first time that Rashid has pulled off a ‘helicopter’ shot, though. In the PSL this year, he had fetched a length ball bowled wide outside off with a sweep that turned into an unusual helicopter shot.