In a game often dominated by big hitters and high scores, it is the quiet precision of a skilled bowler that can shift the momentum. In women’s international cricket, a handful of bowlers have stood out by consistently taking wickets and changing the course of matches. These players have combined skill, consistency, and longevity to become the leading wicket-takers in the history of the game.
Jhulan Goswami – The Chakda Express
At just 19 years old, Jhulan Goswami played her first international match in 2002, making her ODI debut against England in Chennai. She made an immediate impact, claiming 2 wickets for just 15 runs in her 7-over spell. Those early signs hinted at the greatness that lay ahead for the tall fast bowler, who went on to serve Team India with distinction for 20 years.
Across 204 ODIs, she took 255 wickets, including seven four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls—the highest tally in Women’s One Day Internationals. She maintained a remarkable economy rate of 3.37 and an average of 22.04. Her best ODI figures of 6/31 came against New Zealand. She also holds the record for most wickets in Women’s World Cup history with 43.
In Tests, Goswami debuted in 2002 against England and picked up 44 wickets in 12 matches, including three five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul. In T20Is, she took 56 wickets in 68 matches, with best figures of 5/11 against Australia—the best bowling figures for India in women’s T20Is.
She retired in September 2022, with 355 international wickets across formats, the highest in women’s cricket history.
Katherine Sciver-Brunt – England’s Fierce Fast Bowler
Katherine Sciver-Brunt, known for her classical action and aggression, debuted in Tests in 2003 against New Zealand, where she took three wickets. She played 14 Tests, taking 51 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. Her best figures, 6/69, came against Australia.
In ODIs, she claimed 170 wickets in 141 matches, with an economy rate of 3.57. Her best performance, 5/18, came against Australia. In T20Is, she took 114 wickets in 112 matches, with a best of 4/15 against South Africa and an economy rate of 5.57.
Sciver-Brunt was a vital part of England’s World Cup-winning squads in 2009 and 2017 and their 2009 T20 World Cup triumph. She retired with 335 international wickets.
Ellyse Perry – Australia’s Legendary All-Rounder
Ellyse Perry, often regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders, made her ODI debut at 16 in 2007, taking 2 wickets against New Zealand. She has since played 155 ODIs, claiming 166 wickets with best figures of 7/22 against England—the fourth-best in women’s ODI history.
In Tests, she has taken 39 wickets in 14 matches, with best figures of 6/32. In T20Is, Perry has taken 126 wickets in 168 matches with an economy rate of 5.86 and best figures of 4/12 against India.
With 331 international wickets, Perry ranks third on the all-time list. She has won two ODI World Cups (2013, 2022), six T20 World Cups, and a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022, making her one of the most decorated athletes in the sport.
Shabnim Ismail – South Africa’s Pace Spearhead
Shabnim Ismail led South Africa’s attack for over 16 years. She made her ODI debut in 2007 against Pakistan and took 191 wickets in 127 matches at an average of 19.95. Her best figures, 6/10, came against the Netherlands.
In T20Is, she took 123 wickets in 113 matches, with best figures of 5/12 against Pakistan and an economy rate of 5.77. She played just one Test in 2007, where she took 3 wickets.
Ismail’s 317 international wickets make her the fourth-highest wicket-taker in women’s cricket and the highest for South Africa in both ODIs and T20Is.
Anisa Mohammed – West Indies’ Spin Maestro
Anisa Mohammed debuted at 15 in 2003 and took 305 wickets in her international career, placing her fifth on the all-time list. In ODIs, she played 141 matches, taking 180 wickets at an average of 20.75. Her best figures of 7/14 came against Pakistan.
In T20Is, she took 125 wickets in 117 matches with three five-wicket hauls and an economy rate of 5.57. She remains one of the most consistent and successful spinners in women’s cricket history.
Deepti Sharma – India’s All-Round Star
Deepti Sharma has been a key part of the Indian setup since her debut. In 106 ODIs, she has taken 135 wickets at an average of 27.28, including three five-wicket hauls. Her best ODI figures are 6/20 against Sri Lanka.
In T20Is, she has 144 wickets in 127 matches with an average of 19.63 and an economy of 6.09. Her best T20I figures are 4/10 against West Indies. In Tests, she has 20 wickets in 5 matches, including a match-best 9/39 against England.
With 299 international wickets, Deepti is one of India’s top bowlers and continues to grow into a leader on and off the field.
Sophie Ecclestone – England’s Modern-Day Spin Wizard
Sophie Ecclestone has emerged as one of the finest spinners in world cricket. In ODIs, she has taken 120 wickets in 72 matches at an average of 19.87 and best figures of 6/36 against South Africa.
In T20Is, she has 139 wickets in 99 matches with an average of 15.72 and best figures of 4/18 against New Zealand. In Tests, she has claimed 40 wickets in 8 matches, including a 10-wicket match haul against Australia.
Ecclestone, with 299 international wickets at just 25 years of age, is tied with Deepti Sharma and expected to rise further up the rankings.
