Deepti Sharma becomes Women's T20I leading wicket-taker with 171 scalps
Synopsis
On her 150th T20I appearance, Deepti Sharma claimed 3 wickets without conceding a run to surpass Thipatcha Putthawong and become Women's T20I cricket's all-time leading wicket-taker. The milestone, set in a 94-run Asia Cup rout of Thailand, belongs to a player who has quietly rewritten Indian women's cricket history — one off-break at a time.
Key Takeaways
Deepti Sharma became the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20I cricket with 171 wickets on 31 August 2026 .
She surpassed Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong , who held the record jointly at 170 wickets .
Her record-breaking spell read 3/0 in 1.1 overs — three wickets without conceding a run.
The milestone came in her 150th T20I appearance , making her only the third Indian woman to reach that landmark after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana .
India beat Thailand by 94 runs , posting 159/9 and bowling out Thailand for 65 in 16.1 overs .
Shafali Verma top-scored with 64 ; Nandani Sharma also claimed three wickets .
India all-rounder Deepti Sharma scripted history on 31 August 2026 in Dubai, becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20I cricket with 171 wickets during India's Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener against Thailand. The milestone arrived in breathtaking style, with Deepti returning extraordinary figures of 3/0 in 1.1 overs — three wickets without conceding a single run.
The Record-Breaking Spell
Deepti entered the match level with Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong on 170 wickets, needing just one dismissal to claim the record outright. The off-spinner wasted no time, dismantling Thailand's batting order in a spell that will be remembered as one of the most clinical in Women's T20I history. Her career tally now stands at 171 wickets, placing her alone at the summit of the all-time list.
A Double Milestone on Her 150th Appearance
The record came in Deepti's 150th T20I appearance, adding another layer of significance to an already momentous occasion. She became only the third Indian woman to reach the 150-match milestone in the format, joining Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana in that elite company. Few players in world cricket have combined longevity with consistent match-winning impact at this level.
What Deepti Said
Reflecting on the achievement, Deepti posted on X: 'Yesterday was a day which filled me with emotion and gratitude. Some achievements make you feel how lucky you are to do what you love the most. I remain committed to my team and fans to play with the same excitement and winning more matches and trophies for my country.' The message underlined a player whose ambition remains firmly fixed on collective success rather than personal landmarks.
India's Commanding Asia Cup Opener
The record-breaking spell was set against the backdrop of a dominant team performance. India posted 159/9 after being asked to bat, with Shafali Verma top-scoring with a fluent 64. Thailand were then bundled out for 65 in 16.1 overs, handing India a 94-run victory and a winning start to their title defence. Nandani Sharma also claimed three wickets, while Nannapat Koncharoenkai offered the lone resistance for Thailand with 41 runs.
What's Next for India
The comprehensive win sets a confident tone for India's Asia Cup campaign. Deepti's form — both as a wicket-taking bowler and a reliable lower-order contributor — will be central to India's prospects as the tournament progresses. With the record now firmly hers, the question is how many more she can add before the competition concludes.
Point of View
It is nerve. The deeper question for Indian women's cricket is whether the team's over-reliance on Deepti as the primary spin threat has been addressed, or whether the Asia Cup will once again expose the thin depth behind her. Her post on X spoke of trophies, not records — that team-first framing is the most telling detail of all.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wickets does Deepti Sharma have in Women's T20Is?
Deepti Sharma has taken 171 wickets in Women's T20I cricket, making her the all-time leading wicket-taker in the format. She surpassed Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong, who was level with her on 170 wickets entering the Asia Cup 2026 opener.
What were Deepti Sharma's figures in the record-breaking match?
Deepti Sharma returned figures of 3/0 in 1.1 overs against Thailand in Dubai on 31 August 2026 — three wickets without conceding a single run. The spell was the centrepiece of India's 94-run victory in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener.
What is the significance of Deepti Sharma's 150th T20I?
Deepti's record-breaking performance came in her 150th T20I appearance, making her only the third Indian woman to reach that milestone in the format. The others to have done so are Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana.
How did India perform in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener?
India posted 159/9 after being asked to bat, with Shafali Verma top-scoring with 64. They then bowled Thailand out for 65 in 16.1 overs, winning by 94 runs. Deepti Sharma and Nandani Sharma each took three wickets.
Who was the previous Women's T20I wicket-taking record holder?
Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong held the record jointly with Deepti Sharma at 170 wickets before the Asia Cup 2026 opener. Deepti's three-wicket haul against Thailand moved her ahead to 171 wickets, claiming the record outright.
