Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (UNI): Deepti Sharma headlined India’s dominant series triumph over Sri Lanka with a historic feat, becoming the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20 International cricket during the fifth and final match here on Tuesday.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, the 28-year-old all-rounder surpassed Australia’s Megan Schutt to go past the 150-wicket mark, claiming her 152nd scalp in the 14th over when she trapped Nilakshika Silva leg before wicket.
Deepti now averages an impressive 19 after 133 T20I appearances, underlining her consistency and impact in the shortest format.
Her landmark wicket proved crucial as India went on to clinch the series finale by 15 runs.
Batting first, the hosts posted a competitive 175 for seven in their allotted 20 overs, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur leading from the front. Harmanpreet struck a fluent 68 off 43 balls, an innings studded with nine fours and a six, to anchor the Indian batting effort.
Reflecting on the series win, Harmanpreet said the team’s sustained hard work had finally paid dividends. “2025 has been great for us. All the hard work we have done this year, we have got the credit. It’s about repeating these habits,” she said after the match.
“Shifting to T20 from ODI wasn’t easy, but everyone was excited to play. We fought for this, and happy how all things came together,” she added.
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales on the horizon, Harmanpreet stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.
“The next six months are important. We want to keep working hard and raising the bar,” she said.
India will kickstart their campaign at next year’s tournament against Pakistan on June 14.
