Deepti Sharma First Spinner to Take 350 International Wickets

Indian cricket star Deepti Sharma scripted history on Sunday, June 14, 2026, by becoming the first female spin bowler to claim 350 wickets in international cricket across all three formats. The milestone was achieved during India's opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against Pakistan at Edgbaston, where Sharma delivered a career-defining performance.

Entering the match with 349 international scalps, Sharma dismantled the Pakistan batting order, finishing with extraordinary figures of 5/10 in four overs. Her disciplined spell not only secured a 64-run victory for India but also cemented her legacy as one of the most prolific wicket-takers in the history of the women's game.

A Historic Performance in Birmingham

The match, which served as a high-stakes campaign opener, saw India post a formidable 170/6, largely anchored by Smriti Mandhana’s fluent 68. However, the second innings was dominated by Sharma’s spin masterclass.

By dismissing Pakistan’s openers early in her spell, Sharma crossed the 350-wicket threshold. Her contributions were crucial in reducing Pakistan from a steady start to 106 all out in just 17 overs. Beyond the 350-wicket landmark, Sharma also reclaimed her status as the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 International (WT20I) history, currently holding 166 wickets in the format.

Legacy of an Elite All-Rounder

Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking journey includes a distribution of wickets across Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals. Her tally of 354 international scalps underscores her sustained dominance over the past decade.

Her recent achievements follow a stellar 2025 season, during which she was named Player of the Tournament at the Women’s ODI World Cup and recognized as Wisden’s Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World. Her ability to contribute as both a middle-order batter and a primary strike bowler has made her an indispensable asset to the Indian side.

Official Sources and Match Data

The milestone was confirmed by official match reports from the ICC and associated cricket statistics agencies.

"Deepti Sharma’s spell is the third-best by an Indian in a Women’s T20 World Cup match," organizers noted in their post-match assessment. Her 5/10 figure joins an elite list of performances, including those of Priyanka Roy (2009) and Renuka Thakur (2023), who are the only other Indian women to secure a five-wicket haul in the tournament’s history.

Why It Matters

For global cricket, this achievement highlights the rising influence of spin-bowling all-rounders in the women’s game. Sharma’s ability to maintain high wicket-taking density across formats provides India with a tactical advantage, particularly in low-scoring games or high-pressure tournament knockouts. As cricket continues to grow globally, Sharma's record sets a new benchmark for bowlers aiming to excel in modern, multi-format international competition.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Milestone: First female spinner to reach 350 international wickets.

• Match Performance: 5/10 against Pakistan in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

• Total International Wickets: 354 (as of June 14, 2026).

• Tournament Impact: Highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20I history (166).

• Accolades: Player of the Match vs. Pakistan (2026).

FAQ

Is Deepti Sharma the first woman to reach 350 wickets?

No, she is the first female spinner to reach this milestone. She stands alongside a select group of all-time leading wicket-takers in women's international cricket history.

What was her contribution in the match against Pakistan?

Sharma took 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4-over spell, which effectively broke Pakistan's chase and helped India win by 64 runs.

How many wickets does she have in each format?

As of the conclusion of the Pakistan match, she holds 22 wickets in Tests, 166 in ODIs, and 166 in T20Is.

What makes this achievement significant?

Reaching 350 wickets in international cricket is an elite accomplishment that requires years of consistency, fitness, and tactical skill. Being the first spinner to do so confirms her status as a generational talent.

Source: ICC Official Match Centre, BCCI Women's Cricket, ANI News.