Indian cricket star Deepti Sharma has etched her name in history by becoming the leading wicket-taker in all Women’s T20 Internationals. She broke the world record during India’s series-clinching win against Sri Lanka, showcasing her status as a world-class all-rounder and a pivotal figure in a dominant year for Indian women’s cricket.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA – In a landmark moment for cricket, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has officially become the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 International history. The record-breaking feat was achieved during the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, where her 152nd scalp helped India secure a comprehensive 5-0 series sweep and cap off a spectacular year.
The 28-year-old star surpassed the previous record of 151 wickets held by Australia’s Megan Schutt, dismissing Sri Lanka’s Nilakshika Silva to claim the top spot. Pakistan’s Nida Dar is third on the all-time list with 144 wickets.
This achievement is the latest in a series of historic milestones for Sharma. Earlier in the same series, she became the first cricketer ever—male or female—to score over 1,000 runs and take 150 wickets in T20 Internationals. Currently ranked number one in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder rankings, Sharma was also the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in India’s triumphant 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign.
Deepti Sharma highest wicket taker women t20i: Breaking Down a Historic Bowling Record
Deepti Sharma’s ascent to the pinnacle of T20I bowling is a testament to nearly a decade of consistent excellence at the international level. Her journey to 152 wickets is built on remarkable skill and strategic intelligence.
- A Landmark Wicket: The record was secured with the LBW dismissal of Nilakshika Silva in the 14th over of Sri Lanka’s chase. This wicket was part of a broader bowling effort that restricted Sri Lanka to 160/7, defending India’s total of 175/7.
- Elite Consistency: Sharma’s career bowling average in T20Is is an impressive 19.00, with an economy rate of 6.12. She is the only bowler from a Full Member nation to have taken 25 or more T20I wickets in two different calendar years (2022 and 2024).
- A Proven Match-Up Specialist: Statistics reveal her tactical mastery. Sharma is the only bowler in the world to have dismissed five different batters five or more times in T20Is, including top players like Chamari Athapaththu and Alyssa Healy.
More Than a Bowler: The All-Round Phenomenon
While the bowling record headlines, it only tells half the story of Deepti Sharma‘s unique value. Her all-round prowess sets her apart in the global game.
- An Unprecedented Double: Her dual milestone of 1,000+ runs and 150+ wickets in T20Is is a first in cricket history, highlighting her unmatched utility.
- Dominance Across Formats: She is also the first woman to take 150 or more wickets in both ODIs (162) and T20Is (152). With 334 international wickets across all formats, she is closing in on Jhulan Goswami’s Indian record of 355.
- Award-Winning Impact: Her match-winning capabilities are proven. She has three Player-of-the-Series awards in T20Is, the joint-most by any Indian woman.
The Record In Context: Team Victory and Rising Stars
The historic moment occurred within a commanding team performance. India completed a 5-0 clean sweep of Sri Lanka, their third such whitewash in T20Is. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a crucial 68 runs in the final match.
The series also highlighted the rise of other Indian talents. Opener Shafali Verma scored three consecutive fifties, while Smriti Mandhana recently became the fastest woman to score 4,000 T20I runs. Notably, spinner Radha Yadav also crossed a significant milestone during the series, becoming the second Indian woman to take over 100 T20I wickets.
FAQs: Your Questions on Deepti Sharma’s Record Answered
- What is Deepti Sharma’s new world record?
Deepti Sharma now holds the record for the most wickets taken in Women’s T20 International cricket, with 152 wickets, surpassing Australia’s Megan Schutt. - Is Deepti Sharma also a good batter?
Absolutely. She is a genuine all-rounder. In fact, she made history by becoming the first cricketer ever (male or female) to achieve the double of scoring 1,000 runs and taking 150 wickets in T20 Internationals. - What other records does Deepti Sharma hold?
She is the first woman to take 150+ wickets in both ODIs and T20Is. She is also the current ICC No. 1 ranked T20I all-rounder and was the Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, which India won.
Conclusion: Deepti Sharma highest wicket taker women t20i
Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking achievement is more than a personal milestone; it symbolizes the soaring heights and depth of Indian women’s cricket. From her world-class off-spin and gritty batting to her proven big-match temperament, Sharma embodies the modern all-rounder. As she continues to lead India’s bowling attack, her journey from Agra to the top of the world charts inspires a new generation, firmly establishing her legacy as one of the game’s true greats.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and details sporting achievements based on official match data and statistics from credible sports sources.
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