The T20I format has rapidly gained popularity in women’s cricket, and consistently taking wickets in this shortened format is a significant achievement. Many legendary bowlers have set records through their outstanding performances in women’s T20I cricket. However, India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma has now claimed the top spot in the record books.
Deepti Sharma set the record for the most wickets in women’s T20I cricket with a magnificent performance against Thailand in the Women’s Asia Cup on August 31, 2026. In this match, she claimed three wickets without conceding a single run in just 1.1 overs. With this performance, her T20I wicket tally reached 171.
1. Deepti Sharma – 171 wickets
Deepti Sharma has become the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20I cricket. She achieved this milestone on August 31, 2026, with a brilliant performance of 3/0 against Thailand. Her greatest strengths are her precise line and length, as well as her ability to put pressure on batters during the middle overs. She makes significant contributions to the Indian team with both bat and ball. Deepti had first claimed the top spot for most wickets in women’s T20Is in late 2025, surpassing Megan Schutt; by that time, she had taken 152 wickets in 133 matches.
2. Thipatcha Putthawong – 170 wickets
Thailand’s left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong has also delivered outstanding performances in women’s T20I cricket. She has long topped the list of highest wicket-takers. Before Deepti Sharma broke the record, Thipatcha held the record for the most wickets in women’s T20Is (170 wickets); she now sits in second place.
3. Henriette Ishimwe – 164 wickets
Rwanda’s Henriette Ishimwe is one of the most successful bowlers in women’s T20I cricket, having taken 164 wickets. She has rapidly made a name for herself in international cricket, and her bowling has played a pivotal role in the Rwandan women’s team’s victories in several crucial matches.
4. Sophie Ecclestone – 154 wickets
England’s star spinner Sophie Ecclestone is currently one of the most effective bowlers in women’s cricket. She ranks fourth on the list of highest wicket-takers in women’s T20Is. Ecclestone is known for the flight, turn, and accuracy of her deliveries; she poses a significant challenge to batters during the overs following the powerplay. Sophie Ecclestone has taken 154 wickets for 2,530 runs across 113 matches.
5. Kary Chan – 153 wickets
Hong Kong’s Kary Chan features on the list of the highest wicket-takers in women’s T20I cricket; she has claimed 153 wickets in 109 matches. Her performance has been pivotal for Hong Kong women’s cricket, and she is counted among the bowlers who consistently take wickets at the international level.
