As the world of women’s cricket buzzes with anticipation, one name stands poised on the edge of history: Deepti Sharma, India’s dynamic all-rounder, has joined the elite club of cricketers with 300 international scalps.
She picked up her 300th international wicket by dismissing the dangerous Sophia Dunkley (22 off 19 balls) in the final over of the powerplay, after England opted to bat first on winning the toss. A smart last-minute adjustment in length prompted by Dunkley’s early charge foxed the batter, and who better than ace fielder Radha Yadav to complete an excellent forward-diving catch — delivering India their second breakthrough in the 4th T20I at Manchester in the ongoing five-match series.
At 27, Deepti stands not only as a testament to consistency and skill but also as an inspiration to young cricketers across the globe. Let’s break down her remarkable journey in each format:
ODI Cricket: The Steady Climb
Deepti Sharma’s ODI story began on 28th November 2014 in Bengaluru against South Africa — a day that marked the advent of a new Indian star. Over 105 bowling innings, Deepti has picked up 135 wickets at an average of 27.28 and an impressive economy of 4.19. Her value in the one-day format is cemented by her knack for delivering in big moments. She has picked up three five-wicket hauls and a couple of four-wicket hauls so far.
Her career-best performance in ODIs came against Sri Lanka in Ranchi during the 3rd ODI on 19th February 2016 — a maiden six-wicket haul (9.2-1-20-6) that earned her the Player of the Match award. Her second six-wicket haul came on 27th December 2024 vs West Indies in Vadodara (10-3-31-6). Her ability to break partnerships and control the run flow in the middle overs has made her a pivotal part of India’s ODI setup throughout the past decade.
T20 Internationals: A Talisman in the Shortest Format
If Deepti’s ODI numbers sparkle, her T20I stats are nothing short of dazzling. Since debuting on 31st January 2016 against Australia in Sydney, Deepti has been India’s go-to bowler in crunch moments. In 125 innings, she has taken 145 wickets at an average of 18.89 and an economy of 6.09 — a dream for any T20 captain.
Her best T20I performance came on 10th November 2019, with impressive figures of 4/10 in 4 overs against the West Indies at St Lucia — a Player of the Match performance. Her control, variation, and unflappable temperament have made her India’s most reliable weapon during death overs and high-pressure games.
Test Cricket: A Brief but Brilliant Impact
Though Test matches in women’s cricket remain few, Deepti has grabbed every opportunity. Since debuting at Bristol against England on 16th June 2021, she has bowled in 8 innings and collected 20 wickets at a stunning average of 18.10 and an economy of 2.21.
Her best Test performance came in December 2023, when she dismantled England with 9/39 in 13.3 overs — including a sensational 5/7 in the first innings — at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Her red-ball success has been marked by accuracy, guile, and the ability to dismantle batting line-ups single-handedly.
In the current five-match T20I series in England, Deepti has already claimed 7 wickets at an average of 14 and an economy of 7.53 in four innings — making her the second-highest wicket-taker for India and in the series. Her consistency has been a driving force as India leads 2-1, with England pulling one back in the third match.
As India battles England in a high-octane white-ball series, Deepti Sharma has etched her name alongside the sport’s greats. Her 300-wicket tally reflects not just longevity, but an enduring impact across formats, conditions, and continents.
For every young girl stepping onto a cricket field, Deepti’s journey is a shining beacon — a reminder that with perseverance, variety, and heart, barriers can be broken and records rewritten. The cricketing world now watches, collectively holding its breath, as Deepti Sharma continues to build her legacy — one more delivery, one more scalp, and one more moment in the sun.
The 300-wicket club has a new legend. Her name is Deepti Sharma.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.