Veteran India all-rounder Deepti Sharma scripted history on Sunday by becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 Internationals, reaching 171 wickets during India’s 94-run victory over Thailand in the Women’s Asia Cup.
Deepti achieved the milestone in her 150th T20I appearance for India. She became only the third Indian cricketer after Harmanpreet Kaur (203) and Smriti Mandhana (172) to feature in 150 or more T20Is. Globally, she is just the 12th woman cricketer to reach the landmark.
The right-arm off-spinner produced a superb spell of 1.1 overs, conceding no runs and taking three wickets against Thailand in the Group A encounter. Her effort took her tally to 171 T20I wickets, moving her past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong, who has 170 wickets.
Deepti described the achievement as a proud moment but said her priority remains improving her bowling and contributing to the Indian team.
‘More than 150 wickets, it’s a proud feeling to wear the Indian jersey with the Indian logo. It’s about doing the right things as an Indian player,’ she told the official broadcaster.
‘I don’t think about who I’m going to play against. I focus on how I can keep getting better and help my bowling unit.’
Deepti also credited India’s Centre of Excellence camp for boosting the team’s confidence ahead of the Asia Cup.
‘The camp at the Centre of Excellence gave us a lot of confidence, and we’re looking forward to winning the Asia Cup,’ she said.
Having conceded no runs while taking three wickets against Thailand, Deepti also registered the most economical three-wicket spell by an Indian bowler in women’s T20I cricket.
Women’s T20I Wicket-Takers
With 171 wickets, Deepti now tops the all-time women’s T20I wicket-taking charts. Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong follows with 170 wickets, while Rwanda’s Henriette Ishimwe is third with 164.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone occupies fourth place with 154 wickets, followed by Hong Kong’s Kary Chan with 153 wickets.: