In a historic moment for Indian cricket, star all-rounder Deepti Sharma has etched her name into the record books. Following India's commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I, Sharma officially became the highest wicket-taker in the history of Women's T20 Internationals (WT20I).
A Landmark Achievement in Dharamsala
The record-breaking feat was achieved on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. The match itself was a dominant display by the Indian women's team, who secured a comprehensive 10-wicket win to clean sweep the three-match series 3-0 against Sri Lanka.
Deepti Sharma entered this crucial match needing just one wicket to claim the top spot on the all-time list. She did not have to wait long, dismissing Sri Lankan batter Anushka Sanjeewani to not only put her team in a strong position but also to seize the world record. This pivotal wicket was her 136th in WT20Is, allowing her to surpass the previous record holder, former West Indies captain Anisa Mohammed.
The Record in Detail and the Path to Glory
Anisa Mohammed had held the record with 135 wickets. Deepti Sharma's journey to this pinnacle has been one of consistent excellence and skill. Known for her clever variations, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to bowl during any phase of the game, Sharma has been a cornerstone of India's bowling attack for years.
Her record-breaking 136th wicket came in her 112th WT20I match, showcasing an impressive career strike rate and economy. The achievement is a testament to her longevity, fitness, and relentless pursuit of improvement. The moment was celebrated by her teammates, who recognized the significance of the milestone for both the player and Indian cricket.
The comprehensive series win saw India defeat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final match, successfully defending a modest total of 123 runs by bowling out the visitors for just 78. Deepti Sharma finished with excellent figures of 2 wickets for 18 runs in her 4 overs, playing a key role in the victory.
What This Milestone Means for Indian Cricket
Deepti Sharma's world record is a monumental moment for women's cricket in India. It places an Indian player at the very top of a global bowling ranking, inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up the sport. Her success underscores the growing depth and competitive spirit within the Indian women's cricket team.
This record adds to Sharma's already illustrious career, which includes numerous match-winning performances with both ball and bat. As a genuine all-rounder, her value to the team is immense. Breaking this record against Sri Lanka, in a series whitewash, makes the achievement even sweeter and highlights India's current dominance in the format.
The future looks bright for Deepti Sharma and the Indian team. With this psychological boost and a world record under her belt, Sharma will be a crucial figure as India prepares for future challenges, including world cups and major bilateral series. Her achievement is not just a personal triumph but a landmark for the entire nation's sporting landscape.
