In a landmark moment for Indian women’s cricket, 28-year-old all-rounder Deepti Sharma became the first Indian and the first spinner to claim 150 wickets in T20Is, achieving the feat during the third match of the ongoing five-match bilateral series against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram on December 26, 2025.
Returning from a mild fever that sidelined her in the second T20I, Sharma dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting with a clinical 4-0-18-3 spell, restricting them to 112/7. Her haul not only propelled India to a commanding position but also saw her equal Australia’s Megan Schutt (151 wickets) for the most wickets in Women’s T20Is and match Renuka Singh Thakur’s series-leading 4-1-21-4 from the 3rd T20I, making them joint-top wicket-takers in the series.
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur set the tone by winning the toss and opting to bowl first in the third T20I at Thiruvananthapuram. Sharma, needing just two wickets for the milestone, delivered instantly with her impressive figures, showcasing her off-spin mastery on a pitch offering turn. After India dominated the first two games, winning by 8 wickets on December 21 and 7 wickets on December 23 to lead 2-0, Sharma’s absence in the second match due to a fever had fans eager for her return.
Her performance silenced doubters, underlining her resilience and big-match temperament. Her spell alongside Renuka Singh’s heroics with the new ball played a vital role as India sealed the 3rd T20I by 8 wickets in hand and 40 balls to spare. Sharma’s journey to 151 T20I wickets stands as a testament to consistency. These numbers reflect her evolution from a promising talent to a format spearhead, with an economy under 6.10 speaking to her control in the shortest format.
Deepti Sharma burst onto the international scene with an ODI debut against South Africa on November 28, 2014, in Bengaluru, before making her T20I bow against Australia on January 31, 2016, in Sydney. Her defining moment arrived on November 10, 2019, against the West Indies in the second T20I at Gros Islet, St Lucia. Sharma’s sensational 4-0-10-4 restricted the hosts to 103/7, paving India’s thumping 8-wicket win, playing a crucial role in India’s series-clinching triumph.
Over the years, Sharma has thrived as a genuine all-rounder, balancing spin wizardry with handy lower-order batting. Her ability to choke runs, evident in her 4-1-20-1 from the series opener, makes her indispensable.
As India bags the T20I series, Sharma’s milestone fuels momentum toward the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026. With 151 wickets already, she stands poised to climb higher, potentially surpassing Schutt outright.
Sharma’s feat inspires a new generation, proving spinners can rule T20Is. India’s bowling depth, blending her experience with Renuka’s pace, signals World Cup readiness. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also became the most successful captain in the T20I format, as India registered their 77th victory in the format under her leadership.
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