Deepti Sharma Scripts T20I History as Smriti Mandhana Closes in on Mithali Raj’s Record

India’s commanding 94-run victory over Thailand in the opening match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 produced more than just a winning start for the defending champions. It also saw two of India’s most experienced players strengthen their places in the record books.

While Deepti Sharma produced a devastating spell with the ball to briefly move to the top of the highest wicket-takers list in women’s T20I cricket, Smriti Mandhana climbed to second on the all-time list for runs in women’s international cricket across formats.

It was another reminder of the extraordinary longevity and consistency of two players who have become central figures in Indian women’s cricket.

Deepti produced a spectacular performance with the ball against Thailand, claiming three wickets in just 1.1 overs. The Agra-born all-rounder began her spell with a double-wicket maiden, immediately putting Thailand under enormous pressure. She went on to dismiss Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Naomi Hamilton, and Nannaphat Chaihan, finishing with figures that underlined her remarkable efficiency.

The three wickets took Deepti's T20I tally to 171, allowing her to move past Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong and become the highest wicket-taker in women's T20I history.

Putthawong, who took one wicket during the match, moved to 170 wickets. The achievement is particularly impressive given Deepti's ability to contribute in all three departments. She has been one of India's most reliable spin-bowling options for years while also providing valuable runs in the middle order.

Her latest milestone adds another significant achievement to an already decorated international career.

Deepti Sharma currently leads the list with 171 wickets, followed by Thipatcha Putthawong with 170. Rwanda's Henriette Ishimwe is third with 164 wickets, while England's Sophie Ecclestone has 154 and Hong Kong's Kary Chan has 153. The margin at the top remains extremely narrow, meaning Putthawong could potentially reclaim the record during Thailand's future matches.

For now, however, the record belongs to Deepti.

Interestingly, while Deepti dominated Thailand's batting line-up, Putthawong also made an important contribution with the ball. The Thai bowler dismissed India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, adding another wicket to her career tally and taking her to 170 T20I wickets.

The exchange highlighted the quality of the two bowlers and the significance of the occasion. Deepti's three-wicket haul ultimately gave her the edge in the race for the record, but Putthawong remains just one wicket behind. The contest between the two could become one of the interesting statistical storylines in women's T20I cricket going forward.

Smriti Mandhana moves to second in international runs

India's opening batter Smriti Mandhana also reached a major statistical milestone during the same match. Mandhana scored a quick 10-ball 19 against Thailand, and those runs were enough to take her past New Zealand legend Suzie Bates and into second place on the all-time list for runs in women's international cricket across formats.

Mandhana now has 10,756 international runs from 302 innings, moving ahead of Bates, who finished her international career with 10,740 runs from 352 innings.

Only former India captain Mithali Raj remains ahead of her. Mithali's record stands at 10,868 runs from 314 innings, meaning Mandhana is now just 113 runs away from becoming the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket.

It is a record that once appeared almost untouchable, but Mandhana's remarkable consistency has brought her within striking distance.

Mandhana's rise up the all-time scoring charts reflects her importance to Indian cricket across formats. Since making her international debut, she has established herself as one of the world's premier opening batters. Her elegant stroke play, ability to score quickly, and consistency across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is have made her one of the defining players of her generation.

Moving past Bates is another indication of her extraordinary career output. The numbers are even more impressive when the innings count is considered. Mandhana has reached 10,756 runs in 302 innings, while Bates required 352 innings to accumulate her 10,740.

The next target is now unmistakable.

Mithali Raj's 10,868 runs remain the benchmark, but with only 113 runs separating the two Indian batters, Mandhana could soon rewrite another major chapter in women's cricket history.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/women-s-asia-cup-2026-india-s-full-schedule-key-pakistan-clash-and-road-to-the-knockouts

The individual milestones came during a highly convincing team performance. India defeated Thailand by 94 runs to begin their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign in dominant fashion. The result provided the defending champions with the ideal start as they continue their pursuit of another continental title.

For Deepti, the match will be remembered for a record-breaking spell.

For Mandhana, it brought her another step closer to a record that has belonged to Mithali Raj for years.

And for India, the two milestones underline the remarkable depth of experience within their squad.

At a tournament where every match matters, India could hardly have asked for a better opening day. Deepti Sharma has already reached the summit of the T20I wicket-taking charts, while Smriti Mandhana is closing rapidly on the biggest run-scoring record in women's international cricket.

Two Indian stars, two historic milestones, and one emphatic start to the Asia Cup.