Deepti Sharma Becomes All-Time Leading Wicket-Taker in Women’s T20Is with 152 Wickets

Deepti Sharma Becomes All-Time T20I Leading Wicket-Taker with 152 Wickets Against Sri Lanka

Indian all-round cricket star Deepti Sharma has etched her name into the record books by becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20 International (T20I) cricket. The off-spinner claimed her 152nd T20I scalp during the fifth and final T20I against Sri Lanka Women, surpassing Australia’s Megan Schutt, who retired with 151 wickets in the format.

Her historic milestone came when she dismissed Sri Lanka’s Nilakshika Silva leg-before-wicket in the 14th over of the match at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, underpinning India’s 5-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka.

Deepti Sharma: The New Queen of T20I Bowling

The milestone occurred at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. In the 14th over of the Sri Lankan innings, Deepti trapped Nilakshika Silva leg-before-wicket (LBW) to secure her record-breaking scalp.

This achievement crowns a stellar 2025 for the 28-year-old off-spinner, who also led India to their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title earlier in the year as the “Player of the Tournament.”

The Elite List: Most Wickets in Women’s T20Is

Historic Achievement

Deepti’s achievement marks a defining moment in women’s cricket history:

• 152 T20I wickets — the most by any woman bowler in the history of T20 Internationals.
• She overtook Megan Schutt (151) to claim the top spot on the all-time list.
• Deepti reached this milestone across 133 matches at an average of 19.00 and an economy rate of 6.12.

According to official records, she now heads the women’s T20I bowling list ahead of runners-up such as Henriette Ishimwe (144) and Nida Dar (144).

Context of the Record-Breaking Match

In the final T20I against Sri Lanka, India posted a competitive total of 175/7, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 68. The Indian bowlers then restricted Sri Lanka to 160/7, completing a 5-0 series whitewash. Deepti’s crucial dismissal of Silva not only bolstered India’s dominance in the contest but also secured her place at the top of the record charts.

The series victory capped a remarkable year for the Indian women’s team and added another historic chapter to Deepti Sharma’s decorated career.

2025: A Year of Historic Milestones

Deepti Sharma didn’t just break the wicket-taking record; she redefined the “all-rounder” role in 2025:

1. The 1000/150 Double: During the same series against Sri Lanka, she became the first cricketer ever (male or female) to register the double of 1,000 runs and 150 wickets in T20Is.

2. World Cup Heroics: She was the first player in history to score 200+ runs and take 20+ wickets in a single edition of the Women’s World Cup.

3. Clean Sweep: Her record-breaking wicket helped India complete a 5-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka, ending the year as the world’s most dominant T20I side.

Career and Legacy

Deepti Sharma’s rise to the top of the wicket-taking charts reflects both consistency and longevity. Known for her clever variations, control in the middle overs, and tactical prowess, she has been a mainstay of India’s bowling attack for years:

• Deepti had previously become the first woman to take 150-plus wickets in both ODIs and T20Is.
• She has also consistently played pivotal roles in series victories and ICC events.

Her record highlights India’s fast-emerging influence in women’s cricket and serves as inspiration for future generations.

Impact on Women’s Cricket

Deepti’s achievement is widely celebrated within the cricketing world. Not only does it underline her individual excellence, but it also emphasizes the growth and competitiveness of women’s T20 cricket globally.

Cricket analysts point out that her remarkable tally reflects not just volume but impact — with Deepti regularly breaking partnerships and controlling batting lineups across continents.