Deepti Sharma became the first women's cricketer to reach 150 wickets in both ODI and T20I formats on Friday. Ranked No.1 in T20Is, Deepti ran through the opposition in the IND vs SL 3rd T20I in Thiruvananthapuram. The 29-year-old joins Megan Schutt as the joint leading wicket taker in Women's T20I, with 151 scalps to her name.
Sharma came into the clash with 148 wickets to her name. She did not feature in the last game due to fever but returned to action with a bang. With Sri Lanka batters struggling, Deepti dominated the middle overs to perfection in a stunning display of control.
Deepti was first introduced in the powerplay and she straightway delivered with the wicket of Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. The 29-year-old then dismissed the dangerous Kavisha Dilhari who looked in fine form. She then cleaned up Shehani in her final over.
Deepti now has 151 wickets in 128 innings, averaging 18.73 and an economy of 6.09. World No.1 in T20Is, she is now the only Women's cricketer with 150 wickets in both limited overs formats.
Most Wickets in Women's T20I (Among full member nations)
Deepti Sharma - 151*
Megan Schutt - 151
Nida Dar - 144
Sophie Ecclestone - 142
Elyse Perry - 126
Alongside Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma helped India Women restricted Sri Lanka for just 112/7 in 20 overs in the third T20I. Sri Lanka's innings struggled to find any momentum as they were pinned back by India's champion bowlers.
India chased down the score in a canter with a quick-fire half-century by Shafali Verma at the top. The Women in Blue now have an unassailable 3-0 lead with 2 games to go in the series.
