Deepti Sharma Creates T20I History, Becomes Women’s Cricket’s Leading Wicket-Taker

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma etched her name in the record books on Sunday, becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 Internationals during India’s emphatic 94-run victory over Thailand in the Women’s Asia Cup.

Deepti reached the landmark with three wickets in a remarkable spell that saw her concede no runs in 1.1 overs. The performance took her career tally to 171 T20I wickets, moving her past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong, who has 170 wickets.

The achievement came on a particularly significant occasion for Deepti as she was playing her 150th T20I for India. She became only the third Indian cricketer, after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, to reach the milestone.

Deepti is also just the 12th woman cricketer in the world to feature in 150 or more T20Is, underlining her remarkable consistency and longevity in the shortest format.

Reflecting on the record, Deepti said the milestone was a proud moment but insisted that her priority remained contributing to the Indian team and continuing to improve her bowling.

“More than 150 wickets, it's a proud feeling to wear the Indian jersey,” Deepti said. “I focus on how I can keep getting better and help my bowling unit.”

Her three-wicket haul against Thailand was also notable for its efficiency, as she became the Indian bowler to take three wickets while conceding the fewest runs in a T20I innings.

Deepti credited India’s preparations at the Centre of Excellence for giving the team confidence ahead of the Asia Cup.

With 171 wickets, Deepti now leads the women’s T20I bowling charts, ahead of Putthawong (170), Rwanda’s Henriette Ishimwe (164), England’s Sophie Ecclestone (154) and Hong Kong’s Kary Chan (153).