Deepti Sharma becomes leading wicket-taker in Women's T20Is in Asia Cup opener
Deepti Sharma became the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20Is during India’s Women’s Asia Cup opener against Thailand in Dubai on August 30, 2026, as India secured a 94-run victory. She finished the match with figures of 3/0 from 1.1 overs.
India batted first and posted 159/9 after being asked to take the field, setting a total that required disciplined bowling to defend. Deepti entered the contest level with Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong and needed a single wicket to move clear; her match figures took her to 171 wickets in Women’s T20Is and into sole possession of the record.
Deepti was introduced into the attack in the ninth over and struck immediately when a length delivery turned sharply into Naomi Hamilton, beating the inside edge and hitting the batter in front of the stumps. Two balls later Nannaphat Chaihan attempted to attack a shorter delivery but mistimed the shot to short mid-wicket, giving Deepti a double-wicket maiden in that over.
She returned later in the innings to claim the milestone wicket when Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who had scored 41 off 48 balls, defended a tossed-up delivery; the turn took the inside edge onto her pads and Richa Ghosh completed a sharp diving catch. That dismissal was recorded as Deepti’s 171st in the format and confirmed her as the outright leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is.
Thailand were bowled out for 65 in 16.1 overs, with Deepti’s spell contributing significantly to India’s emphatic win. The victory handed the defending champions a perfect start to their Asia Cup campaign.
Deepti, who also played her 150th T20I in the match, reflected on her approach after the game: “Yes, definitely. I don’t think about who is going to play next. I just always believe in myself and focus on how I can keep getting better each and every day and help my team, especially the bowlers. That’s what I always do. As a group, it’s a great start to the tournament. There are more games to come, but it’s always about building momentum when it comes to winning the first game,” Deepti told the broadcasters after the match.
India’s next match in the DP World Women's Asia Cup 2026 is against Hong Kong, China on Sept 3 at 7:30 PM, with coverage on Sony Sports Network TV channels and Sony LIV.
