Deepti Sharma’s script history has become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is

Deepti Sharma scripted India’s Women’s Asia Cup opener against Thailand to become the leading wicket-taker in the Women’s T20Is. The veteran all-rounder has produced a sensational spell in Dubai India started their campaign with a commanding 94-run victory.

India, who posted 159/9 after being asked to bat first, needed their bowlers to defend what was competitive but not unassailable. Deepti stepped in when India needed her, taking three wickets without conceding a run and finishing with remarkable figures of 3/0 from 1.1 overs.

The feat also took her to 171 wickets in Women’s T20Is, moving clear to the top of the all-time list. She entered the competition level with Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong and needed only one wicket to claim the record as sole.

Deepti Sharma is now the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is thanks to a brilliant catch by Richa Ghosh!

Watch India vs Hong Kong, China in DP World Women’s Asia Cup 2026 on September 3rd from 7:30 PM LIVE on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV TV channels. pic.twitter.com/Gvo5NMKClY— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 30, 2026

Speaking after the match, Deepti, who was also playing her 150th T20I, stressed the importance of focusing on her own performance and contributing to the team rather than looking too far ahead.

“Yes, definitely. I don’t think about who is going to play next. I always believe in myself and focus on how I can improve every day and help my team, especially the bowlers. That’s what I always do. As a group, it’s a great start to the tournament. There are more games to come, but it’s always about building momentum when it comes to winning the first game,” said Deepti.

DEEPTI’S SEVEN MASTERCLASS TURNS THE GAME

Deepti was brought into the attack in the ninth over and struck immediately. She started with a length delivery that turned sharply to Naomi Hamilton, beat the inside edge and hit it in front of the stumps. Two balls later, Nannaphat Chaihan tried to attack a shorter delivery but mistimed her shot to short mid-wicket.

Deepti therefore completed the game with a double wicket and finished the over with two wickets and no run conceded.

She returned later in the inning to complete the milestone. Thailand’s Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who was putting up some resistance on 41 off 48 balls, tried to defend the tossed delivery. A sharp turn took the inside edge onto her pads before the ball rolled towards the offside where Richa Ghosh completed a sharp diving catch.

The wicket was Deepti’s 171st in the format and established her as the clear leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is.

Thailand were eventually bowled out for 65 in 16.1 overs, with Deepti’s extraordinary spell playing a key role in India’s emphatic win, giving the defending champions the perfect start to their Asia Cup campaign.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

Aug 31, 2026 0:47 AM IST