India's Deepti Sharma added another glittering chapter to her remarkable career on Thursday, achieving a feat no cricketer had ever managed before. During the third T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram,
the Indian all-rounder became the first player in the history of international cricket - men's or women's - to combine 1,000-plus T20I runs with 150 wickets.
The landmark moment came through Deepti's bowling, a discipline that has increasingly defined her value to the Indian team. She delivered a composed and impactful spell, finishing with three wickets and tightening her grip on the game during the middle overs.
Sri Lanka's Kavisha Dilhari, dismissed in the 14th over, became the milestone 150th wicket of Deepti's T20I career - a moment that was met with applause from teammates and fans alike.
With that performance, Deepti also moved level with Australia pacer Megan Schutt as the joint-leading wicket-taker in women's T20I history, both now sitting on 151 dismissals. The achievement highlights Deepti's rare longevity and consistency in the shortest format, where roles often change but her impact remains constant.
Already regarded as one of India's most dependable all-rounders, Deepti's latest milestone reinforces her reputation as a complete white-ball cricketer. Earlier this year, she was instrumental in India's historic triumph at the ICC Women's World Cup, where her all-round contributions earned her the Player of the Tournament award as the hosts lifted their first-ever world title.
Her stature was further reflected at the Tata Women's Premier League auction, where UP Warriorz secured her services for ₹3.2 crore - the second-highest bid in the league's history - underlining her immense value across formats.
At just 28, Deepti Sharma continues to redefine excellence in modern cricket. Records may keep falling, but her ability to influence games with both bat and ball ensures her place among the sport's true greats.
