Women’s World Cup T20: Script History Shree Charani becomes India’s most successful bowler in a single edition
NEW DELHI: Indian spinner Shree Charani continued her dream run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and rewrote the record books by becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in a single edition of the tournament on Thursday.The newly crowned World No.1 T20I bowler achieved the milestone during India’s Group A clash against Bangladesh at Old Trafford in Manchester, surpassing Poonam Yadav’s previous record of 10 wickets set during the 2020 edition.Charani took 2/21 from her four overs as she dismissed Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter to take her tally to 12 wickets in just four matches. The left-arm spinner has been the most outstanding bowler in the competition so far, averaging a remarkable 7.08 while maintaining an economy rate of just 5.31. Her best figures in the tournament remain 4/19.The achievement ranks Charani alongside some of the greatest bowling performances in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Only New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who took 15 wickets in the 2024 edition, and England’s Anya Shrubsole and Australia’s Megan Schutt, each with 13 wickets, have made better returns in a single tournament.
India bowlers keep Bangladesh at bay
Charani’s record performance came during another display of disciplined bowling by India as Bangladesh were restricted to 136/8 after opting to bat first.Renuka Singh Thakur struck early to remove Dilara Akter but Bangladesh recovered thanks to Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostara who added 51 runs for the second wicket. Ferdous scored with 33 off 30 balls while Mostary contributed 22.Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana then tried to accelerate with a blistering 32, including four boundaries, to briefly shift the momentum in her side’s favour.However, India regained control thanks to early breakthroughs. Nandini Sharma ended Ferdous’s innings with a crisp return before Radha Yadav removed Mostary and later played a key role in restricting the middle order.
Most wickets for India Women in T20 World Cup edition
- 12* – Shree Charani in 2026
- 10 – Poonam Yadav in 2020
- 9 – Diana David in 2010
- 8 – Poonam Yadav in 2014
- 8 – Poonam Yadav in 2018
- 8 – Radha Yadav in 2018
Radha glows as Charani wraps up an unforgettable day
While Charani grabbed the headlines with her historic feat, Radha Yadav produced an equally important spell to finish with 3/28 to become India’s most successful bowler in an innings.The pair combined effectively during the closing stages, with Charani striking twice late in the innings to prevent Bangladesh from making a strong finish.Bangladesh eventually closed on 136/8, a total that seemed below par given the opportunities afforded them by some dropped catches in the field.
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Most wickets in an edition of the Women’s World Cup T20
- 15 – Amelia Kerr (NZ-W, 2024)
- 13 – Anya Shrubsole (ENG-W, 2014)
- 13 – Megan Schutt (AUS-W, 2020)
- 12 – Freedom of the World (SA-W, 2024)
- 12 – Shree Charani (IND-W, 2026)