Becomes World's Most Successful T20I Bowler in Her 150th Match as India Crushes Thailand by 94 Runs
_342625597.jpg)
The Indian women's cricket team launched their Women's Asia Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a dominant 94-run victory over Thailand. While the team performance was clinical from start to finish, all eyes were firmly fixed on star all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who turned her landmark 150th T20 International appearance into an unforgettable historic milestone by cementing her status as the most successful bowler in women's T20I cricket history.
Seven Balls, Zero Runs, Three Wickets: A Spell to Remember
Entering the attack with her trademark precision, Deepti Sharma delivered a spell of bowling that left Thailand's batters completely bamboozled. In a lethal and economical burst, she bowled just seven deliveries without conceding a single run, finishing with astonishing figures of three wickets for zero runs (0/3).
Deepti initially rocked the opposition by picking up two quick wickets in the ninth over of the innings. She returned to the attack in the 17th over, striking with her very first ball to claim her third wicket of the evening, a feat that propelled her straight into the global record books.
Surpassing Thipacha Putthavong to Claim the Global Crown
With this sensational three-wicket haul, Deepti's career tally in the shortest format climbed to 171 wickets, allowing her to surpass Thailand's Thipacha Putthavong, who currently stands with 170 wickets. Rounding out the elite global bowling charts, Rwanda's Henriette Ishimwe occupies the third spot with 164 wickets, while England's star spinner Sophie Ecclestone sits fourth with 154 dismissals.
In addition to becoming the world's leading wicket-taker in women's T20Is, Deepti also etched her name in national cricketing history by becoming only the third Indian woman to play 150 or more T20 International matches, joining senior stalwarts Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana in the exclusive milestone club.
Shafali Verma's Blitz and a Comprehensive 94-Run Victory
Batting first in the tournament opener, Team India posted a competitive total of 159 runs. Opener Shafali Verma anchored the innings with a blistering knock of 64 runs off just 36 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 8 fours and 3 sixes.
Defending 159, the Indian bowling attack dismantled Thailand's batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 65 runs in 16.1 overs. Alongside Deepti's historic spell, Nandini Sharma chipped in with three crucial wickets, while Sri Charani claimed two scalps. As Deepti Sharma basks in the glory of her record-breaking double milestone, her phenomenal performance will be celebrated as one of the greatest chapters in modern women's cricket.
_694217948_351x234.jpg)
_400699945_351x234.jpg)
_994685558_351x234.jpg)
_396567557_351x234.jpg)
_1970362026_351x234.jpg)
