Deepti Sharma breaks women's cricket wicket record at Lord's, surpasses Jhulan Goswami
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Deepti Sharma scripted history at Lord's Cricket Ground on 28 June 2026, becoming the highest wicket-taker in women's international cricket during India's ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against Australia. The Agra-born off-spinner claimed her 356th international wicket, surpassing the long-standing record of 355 held by legendary pacer Jhulan Goswami.
The Record-Breaking Moment
Deepti needed just one wicket entering the match to rewrite the history books. She delivered with a full delivery on the stumps that drew Australian batter Beth Mooney out of her crease in search of a big hit. Mooney miscued a slog-sweep off the off-spinner, sending the ball high into the air, where Radha Yadav completed a comfortable catch at long-on. Mooney departed for 22 off 20 balls, handing Deepti the record-breaking 356th wicket of her international career.
A Career Built Across All Three Formats
The dismissal came during Deepti's 278th international appearance for India. Her 356 wickets span all three formats: 22 in 6 Tests, 166 in 124 ODIs, and 168 in 148 T20 Internationals. Notably, she had already signalled her form in this tournament with a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in India's opening Women's T20 World Cup match in Birmingham on 14 June.
Surpassing Jhulan Goswami's Legacy
Jhulan Goswami retired with 355 wickets across 284 international matches — comprising 44 in 12 Tests, 255 in 204 ODIs, and 56 in 68 T20Is. Goswami's record had stood as the benchmark for women's cricket excellence for years. Deepti now stands alone at the summit of the all-time list.
Where Deepti Stands in the All-Time Rankings
Behind Deepti, the all-time wicket-takers list in women's international cricket reads: Australia's Ellyse Perry in third place with 336 wickets, England's Katherine Sciver-Brunt with 335, Sophie Ecclestone with 333, and South Africa's Shabnim Ismail with 323. The gap between Deepti and the rest of the field underlines the scale of her achievement.
What This Milestone Means
This is not merely a personal landmark — it marks a generational shift in women's cricket. Deepti's record spans an era when the women's game expanded dramatically in format, reach, and competitiveness. Her consistency across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, over 278 matches, sets a benchmark that will be difficult to approach for years. India's campaign at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 continues, with Deepti now carrying the weight of history alongside her role as a match-winner.