For India at the Dubai International Stadium, Deepti Sharma sent shockwaves with her magical spin as she bagged figures of 3 for 0 in 7 balls to script a record-breaking innings for the 150th time in her T20 international career.
Deepti Sharma pitched in as India chased down Thailand's total with a commanding 94-run win in their opening match of the Women's Asia Cup 2026. The off-spinner registered figures of 3 wickets for 0 runs in just 7 balls as she became the highest wicket-taker in women's T20 internationals with 171 wickets overall.
Seven Balls of Pure Dominance By Deepti Sharma
Defending a target of 160, India had things well in hand even before Sharma had come on to bowl. She made a spectacular start, trapping in the very first over of her spell left-arm spinner Naomi Hamilton leg before. In the second over, Deepti Sharma got rid of another opener, Nannaphat Chaihan, who was out for a duck to complete a double maiden.
Returning this time in the 17th over, Sharma needed just one delivery to get rid of the skipper Nannapat Koncharoenkai to script a victory for her team. With Thailand knocked off for just 65 in 16.1 overs, Deepti Sharma became the first Indian pacer to take three or more wickets without giving a run in a women's T20I match.
Up To The Top Of The World
With her third wicket, Deepti Sharma has not only equaled but overtaken Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong to register her name at the top of the bowling chart:
Deepti Sharma (IND): 171 wickets (150 matches)
Thipatcha Putthawong (THA): 170 wickets (109 matches)
Henriette Ishimwe (RWA): 164 wickets (134 matches)
Sophie Ecclestone (ENG): 154 wickets (113 matches)
Kary Chan (HK): 153 wickets (115 matches)
Another key contributor in the bowling department was medium-pacer Nandini Sharma, who took 3 for 18 to make sure that Thailand did not get any breathing space in their chase.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed the off-spinner's invaluable presence in the squad as her vast experience often turns the matches in India's favour.
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Despite such a magnificent achievement, Deepti Sharma remained focused on the bigger picture, expressing her pride in being in the Indian team. She, however, remained committed to continuing to hone her skills, hoping to develop as a good bowler.
Sharma also thanked the recently conducted training camp at the Center of Excellence for providing sufficient clarity for the team to make a title challenge. The White Lions are now set to face off against Hong Kong in their next group-stage match on September 3 in Dubai.