Deepti Sharma Becomes Highest Wicket-Taker in Women’s T20Is, Achieves Feat During Asia Cup 2026
Deepti Sharma has made history, becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20 Internationals with 171 scalps. The Indian all-rounder achieved this milestone on Sunday, August 30, 2026, during India's commanding 94-run victory over Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium.
Dubai witnessed a historic moment on Sunday, August 30, 2026, as veteran Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma surpassed all others to become the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20 International cricket. The milestone was achieved during India's commanding 94-run rout of Thailand in a Group A match of the Women's Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium. Sharma's exceptional bowling performance saw her claim three wickets for no runs in a sensational spell, bringing her career tally to an astounding 171 wickets in her 150th T20I appearance for India. Where to Watch Women's Asia Cup 2026 Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast in India.
Deepti Sharma is Now Leading Wicket-Taker in WT20I
Record-Breaking Spell
Deepti Sharma's record-setting performance came with an incredibly economical spell of 1.1 overs, including one maiden, where she conceded zero runs while taking three crucial wickets. This remarkable effort not only cemented her place in history but also played a significant role in India's emphatic victory. The historic 171st wicket came when she removed Nannapat Koncharoenkai in the 17th over. This outstanding display ensured she surpassed Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong, who previously held the record with 170 wickets.
A Proud Milestone
Expressing her sentiments on the monumental achievement, Deepti Sharma conveyed a deep sense of pride. "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. Emphasizing her continuous dedication to improvement and team contribution, she added, "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." Sharma also credited the preparatory camp at the Centre of Excellence for boosting the team's confidence heading into their Asia Cup campaign.
India's Dominant Start and Deepti Sharma Legacy
The match against Thailand marked India's strong start to their ACC Women's Asia Cup 2026 campaign. Deepti's achievement also places her in an elite group of Indian women cricketers, as she becomes only the third Indian after Harmanpreet Kaur (203 T20Is) and Smriti Mandhana (172 T20Is) to play 150 or more T20 Internationals. Her consistent performance has solidified her position as a pivotal all-rounder for the Indian team and a true icon of women's cricket. Jemimah Rodrigues Ruled Out of Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games 2026; Pratika Rawal Named Injury Replacement.
Top 5 Women's T20I Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Player Name | Team | Wickets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deepti Sharma | India | 171 | 150 |
| 2 | Thipatcha Putthawong | Thailand | 170 | 109 |
| 3 | Henriette Ishimwe | Rwanda | 164 | 134 |
| 4 | Sophie Ecclestone | England | 154 | 113 |
| 5 | Kary Chang | Hong Kong | 153 | 115 |
*Note: Match counts for some players may vary based on data sources.
This historic feat underscores Deepti Sharma's enduring impact and crucial role in the evolving landscape of women's cricket, setting a new benchmark for bowlers in the shortest format of the game.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2026 11:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).