Deepti Sharma has etched her name in Indian cricket history by becoming only the second Indian woman to claim 250 international wickets after Jhulan Goswami, who has taken 355 international wickets.
This remarkable milestone was achieved during the second match in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup 2024 between India and Pakistan, further cementing Sharma’s status as one of India’s premier all-rounders. Known for her crafty off-break bowling and dependable batting, Sharma has been an important key in the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats. Her achievement not only underscores her consistency and skill but also highlights the growing strength of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
Deepti Sharma scalped a three-fer against Pakistan. Her first victim was the Pakistan skipper, Nida Dar, who tried to loft a shot, but the ball landed in the hands of Dayalan Hemalatha. Deepti’s second wicket was crucial as she dismissed the well-settled Tuba Hassan for 22 on the first ball of the eighteenth over. This was followed by a golden duck for Nashra Sandhu in the same over. She might have finished with four wickets had Radha Yadav held onto the catch of Syeeda Aroob Shah. Nonetheless, Deepti was the standout bowler for India, finishing with figures of 3 for 20 in 4 overs. Her spell helped India restrict Pakistan to 108.
Deepti made her T20 International debut on 31 January 2016 against Australia in Sydney. After that, Deepti gradually made her name with the help of her bowling and made a huge impact on the international stage, especially in the T20 format. With her extensive experience in the T20 format, in the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup she became the highest wicket-taker in that edition of the tournament, taking a total of 13 wickets, also being handy with the bat and electric in the outfield, helping India win their seventh Women’s Asia Cup title.
🚨 Milestone Alert 🚨
Deepti Sharma joins the elite club of bowlers with 250 international wickets. #CricketTwitter #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/NAG8PivY9K
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 19, 2024
Deepti made her ODI debut on 28 November 2014 against South Africa during the ICC Women’s World Cup in Bengaluru. She has bowled in 89 innings and taken 106 wickets, while from 78 outings with the bat has amassed 2019 runs, including the highest of 188. Since her T20I debut in 2016, she has picked up 121 wickets from 109 outings and chipped in with the bat, adding 1020 runs to the tally from 75 innings. On 16 June 2021, she made her Test debut against England in Bristol, and in her Test career she has bowled in 8 innings and taken 20 wickets, while also registering a Test highest score of 78.
Deepti Sharma’s achievement of 250 international wickets marks a significant milestone in her career and for Indian women’s cricket. As a key player for the Indian team, her all-round abilities make her a player to watch out for in this Asia Cup. Sharma’s experience and skill will be crucial as India aims to secure their eighth Asia Cup title. Her consistent performances with both bat and ball could prove instrumental in India’s Asia Cup campaign.