Shree Charani's script history has equaled Poonam Yadav's Women's T20 World Cup record

Shree Charani (Pic credit: BCCI Women) NEW DELHI: India’s left-arm pacer Shree Charani equaled the record for most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in a single edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, equaling Poonam Yadav’s 10 wickets from the 2020 tournament.Charani achieved the milestone during India’s Group A encounter against South Africa at the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup in England 2026, achieving the feat in just her third match in the tournament. The 21-year-old has now taken 10 wickets for 64 runs in 12 overs at an impressive economy rate of 5.33, underscoring her rapid rise on the global stage.With at least two league games remaining – and potentially more in the knockout stages – Charani is now on the verge of making history by becoming the all-time record holder.

India’s most wickets in a single edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup

10 – Poonam Yadav (2020)
10 – Shree Charani (2026)
9 – Diana David (2010)
8 – Poonam Yadav (2014)
8 – Poonam Yadav (2018)
8 – Radha Yadav (2018)

Charani shines despite India’s defeat to South Africa

Charani’s record performance came in a tight contest at a crucial stage of the tournament, although India eventually went down to South Africa by six wickets.Chasing India’s total of 158/7 with five balls to spare, South Africa finished at 161/4, powered by a superb unbeaten 81 from Marizanne Kapp.Kapp, who also contributed with the ball, took two wasted chances to anchor a crucial 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits (40) that tilted the match in South Africa’s favour.India briefly took control of Charani’s brilliance in the power bowler. She struck twice in a sensational spell, removing Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen in quick succession to break South Africa’s early momentum.However, missed chances in the field allowed the Proteas to recover, with Kapp making full use of her lifelines to guide her team home.Earlier, India struggled on a slow pitch and were reduced from 54 for no loss to 83 for four before Deepti Sharma (29) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (24) steadied the innings. Despite their efforts, India could only post a subpar total.

What is the most impressive aspect of Shree Charani’s bowling in this tournament?

While India fell short in the match, Charani’s consistency proved to be one of the biggest positives of the campaign. With two matches in the group stage and a possible knockout battle ahead of her, she now has a real chance to surpass Poonam Yadav and own the record outright.