India kicked off their campaign in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in a flying fashion, as the Women in Blue claimed a thumping 64-run win over their arch-rival Pakistan in their first game of the tournament. While defending 170 runs, India's star all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered a masterful bowling spell of 5/10 in four overs to bundle out Pakistan at just 106.
The stunning performance helped Deepti to win the Player of the Match award, as she removed key wickets of opener Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu and Tasmia Rubab in the second innings.
Deepti Sharma can rewrite history in next game
With the latest five-wicket haul, Deepti Sharma completed 354 scalps in international cricket across all formats of the game. Now, she needs just two wickets to reach a new milestone at the world stage. If Deepti manages to clinch two wickets in her next game for India, she will surpass Jhulan Goswami to become the highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 355 scalps.
Currently, Jhulan Goswami stands at the first place in the list of highest wicket takers in Women's cricket with 355 wickets. The former India pacer managed to take 56 wickets in T20Is, 255 in the ODIS, and ended her career with 44 scalps in Test cricket.
List of highest wicket takers in Women's International Cricket:
| Player Name | T20I Wickets | ODI Wickets | Test Wickets | Total Wickets |
| Jhulan Goswami | 56 | 255 | 44 | 355 |
| Deepti Sharma | 166 | 166 | 22 | 354 |
| Katherine Sciver-Brunt | 114 | 170 | 51 | 335 |
| Ellyse Perry | 127 | 166 | 39 | 332 |
| Sophie Ecclestone | 146 | 141 | 40 | 327 |
India's next challenge in Women's T20 World Cup
After destroying Pakistan in their campaign opener, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will prepare themselves to lock horns against Netherlands on Wednesday, June 17 at the Headingley Carnegie, Leeds.
Team India would look to deliver another great show in their next game. However, the form of the top-order still remains a big concern for head coach Amol Muzumdar.