In a remarkable display of skill, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma made history with her bowling during India’s 94-run triumph over Thailand in the Women’s Asia Cup Group A opener held in Dubai on Sunday.
With this performance, Deepti has now become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20 Internationals, overtaking Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong with a total of 171 wickets.
Deepti’s extraordinary spell included taking 3 wickets while conceding no runs, marking her as the first Indian cricketer to achieve such a feat in Women’s T20I history. Her impressive figures of 3/0 also represent the most economical three-wicket haul recorded by an Indian player in Women’s T20Is.
Previously, the record for the best figures in a three-wicket haul by an Indian was held by Renuka Singh, who had 3/5 against Sri Lanka in Sylhet in 2022. Deepti’s exceptional performance was pivotal in limiting Thailand’s scoring, allowing India to kick off their Asia Cup campaign with a strong victory.
Deepti Sharma’s Standing in Global T20I Bowling
With her 171 wickets, Deepti Sharma now tops the list of highest wicket-takers in Women’s T20Is, followed closely by Thipatcha Putthawong with 170, Rwanda’s Henriette Ishimwe at 164, England’s Sophie Ecclestone with 154, and Hong Kong’s Kary Chan at 153. Notably, there have been 26 instances of bowlers achieving three or more wickets without conceding a run in Women’s T20I cricket, but Deepti is the first Indian to reach this milestone.
Match Recap: India vs Thailand
In the match, India set a target of 159/9, bolstered by a stellar 64-run performance from Shafali Verma off just 36 balls, which included eight fours and three sixes. Despite a late-game collapse, India managed to establish a formidable target.
Thailand struggled to build momentum during their chase, as the Indian bowlers consistently took wickets, ultimately bowling them out for a mere 65 runs in 16.1 overs. Deepti Sharma’s historic figures of 3/0 were complemented by Nandni Sharma’s impressive 3/18 and Shree Charani’s 2/10, showcasing India’s dominant spin attack. Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the standout performer for Thailand, scoring 41 runs off 48 balls, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the team’s defeat.