Categories: PlayersWomen Cricket

Deepti Sharma Makes History: Becomes First Indian to Take 150+ T20I Wickets

Deepti Sharma Makes History: Becomes First Indian to Take 150+ T20I Wickets

In a landmark moment for Indian and global cricket, **Deepti Sharma** etched her name into the record books during India’s T20I match against Sri Lanka—claiming her **152nd wicket** in the format and officially becoming the **highest wicket-taker in women’s T20 Internationals** .

But that’s not all. With this milestone, the 27-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh also became the **first Indian cricketer—male or female—to reach 150 T20I wickets**, surpassing even legends like Yuzvendra Chahal (146) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (142) on the men’s side . This isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a watershed moment for women’s cricket in India, signaling the rise of a new generation of match-winners who command headlines, not just applause.

Table of Contents

The Record-Breaking Moment: Deepti Sharma T20I Wickets Hit 152

The historic wicket came in the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka on December 30, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Bowling her signature left-arm orthodox spin, Deepti trapped Sri Lankan batter Nilakshi de Silva LBW—a dismissal that sealed not just the match but also her place atop the women’s T20I wicket-takers list .

She overtook Australia’s **Sarah Glenn** (151 wickets) and New Zealand’s **Lea Tahuhu** (149) in a career that now spans **142 T20Is**—a testament to both longevity and consistent excellence .

Career Journey: From Farrukhabad to World No. 1

Deepti’s rise wasn’t overnight. Born in the small town of **Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh**, she began playing gully cricket with boys before joining a local academy. Her breakthrough came in 2014, and by 2017, she was already a key player in India’s run to the **Women’s World Cup final**.

Known for her calm demeanor and tactical nous, Deepti quickly earned the nickname “The Silent Assassin” for her ability to break partnerships without fanfare. Her journey reflects the growing ecosystem for women’s cricket in India—bolstered by the WPL (Women’s Premier League), which has given her a global platform to refine her skills .

How She Did It: The Art of Deepti’s Bowling

What makes Deepti so effective? It’s not pace or mystery spin—it’s **control, variation, and cricketing intelligence**.

  • Economy Rate: A stellar 6.12 in T20Is—among the best for frontline bowlers.
  • Death Overs Mastery: Rare for a spinner, she’s often trusted in the 17th–20th overs.
  • Flight and Dip: Her ability to deceive batters in the air makes her lethal even on flat pitches.
  • All-Format Consistency: She’s also taken 100+ wickets in ODIs and plays Test cricket—a true all-format asset.

[INTERNAL_LINK:women-cricket-development-india] Her success is a blueprint for young spinners: precision over flamboyance, strategy over speed.

Comparing the Greats: Women’s T20I Wicket-Takers Ranked

As of December 2025, the top 5 wicket-takers in women’s T20Is are:

  1. Deepti Sharma (IND) – 152 wickets
  2. Anam Amin (PAK) – 147 wickets
  3. Sarah Glenn (ENG) – 151 wickets
  4. Lea Tahuhu (NZ) – 149 wickets
  5. Shabnim Ismail (SA) – 138 wickets

Notably, Deepti is the only Indian in the top 10—and the only one with 150+ wickets across *all* Indian cricketers, men included .

Impact on Indian Women’s Cricket and Future Tournaments

This record comes at a crucial time. With the **ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026** on the horizon, Deepti’s leadership and experience will be invaluable. She’s not just a bowler—she’s a mentor to younger players like Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap.

Her achievement also elevates the visibility of women’s cricket in India, proving that female athletes can be just as dominant—and marketable—as their male counterparts. Brands are taking notice, and fans are filling stadiums.

Beyond Bowling: Deepti’s Value as an All-Rounder

Let’s not forget: Deepti is a genuine all-rounder. She’s scored over **1,800 runs in T20Is**, including a memorable 66* against Australia in 2023. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her one of the most complete players in the women’s game today.

As former captain Mithali Raj once said, “Deepti doesn’t just play the game—she reads it” .

Summary and Conclusion

Deepti Sharma’s ascent to the top of the women’s T20I wicket-takers list—and her status as the first Indian to 150+ T20I scalps—is far more than a statistic. It’s a symbol of resilience, skill, and the bright future of women’s cricket in India. The Deepti Sharma T20I wickets milestone isn’t just her victory—it belongs to every young girl picking up a cricket ball in a village, dreaming of greatness. And with the 2026 World Cup around the corner, her best may still be ahead.

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