Deepti Sharma Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in Women's T20I History With 174 Scalps

Deepti Sharma has become the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20 International history, reaching 174 wickets after adding three more scalps in India's win over Hong Kong at the Women's Asia Cup, moving clear of Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong.

The milestone was first set up during India's tournament opener against Thailand, when Deepti produced a stunning spell of 3 for 0 in just 1.1 overs to move to 171 wickets and overtake Putthawong, the landmark arriving in her 150th T20I appearance. It was the most economical three-wicket haul by any Indian bowler in the format's history. She has since extended her lead further with three more wickets against Hong Kong.

Deepti also became just the third Indian, after Harmanpreet Kaur (203) and Smriti Mandhana (172), to play 150 or more T20Is, and the 12th woman cricketer overall to reach that landmark. "More than 150 wickets, it's a proud feeling to wear the Indian jersey with the Indian logo. It's about doing the right things as an Indian player," she said, reflecting on the achievement.

The 27-year-old off-spinner's record comes in the same tournament that has already produced Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124, giving India's spin and batting attack a share of the individual headlines as the side marches unbeaten toward the semi-finals.