Shree Charani scripts history, becomes fastest Indian to 50 T20I wickets
Shree Charani scripted history in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, becoming the fastest Indian to 50 wickets in T20Is. The left-arm spinner reached the landmark in her 29th match, surpassing Kuldeep Yadav’s record for India across men’s and women’s cricket.
Charani completed the milestone by dismissing Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous in the sixth over of the innings. With Bangladesh needing to accelerate while chasing 150, Ferdous attempted to play across the line against a delivery that spun across her. She got a top edge, allowing Richa Ghosh to run across and complete the catch behind the stumps. Ferdous departed for 14 off 18 balls, with two fours, giving Charani her 50th T20I wicket.
India vs Bangladesh, Women’s Asia Cup Updates
Charani then produced a maiden over to underline the control that has made her one of India’s most important bowlers. She repeatedly hit an excellent line and length outside off, forcing Sobhana Mostary to play at deliveries without allowing Bangladesh any easy scoring opportunities.
Her 50-wicket landmark puts her ahead of several established Indian names. Kuldeep took 30 matches to reach the mark, while Varun Chakravarthy needed 32, Arshdeep Singh 33 and Radha Yadav 36.
Globally, Botswana Men’s Dhruvkumar Maisuria holds the overall record, having reached 50 T20I wickets in 22 matches back in 2023. In women’s cricket, China’s Mengting Liu holds the record after achieving the feat in 28 matches.
Fastest to 50 T20I wickets for India
- Shree Charani – 29 matches (India Women)
- Kuldeep Yadav – 30 matches (India Men)
- Varun Chakravarthy 32 matches (India Men)
- Arshdeep Singh – 33 matches (India Men)
- Radha Yadav – 36 matches (India Women)
CHARANI’S RAPID RISE TO TOP OF WORLD RANKINGS
The landmark is another chapter in Charani’s extraordinary rise since making her international debut in April 2025. She has established herself as a key member of India’s spin attack in barely 18 months, with her ability to turn the ball and maintain pressure making her a constant threat in the shortest format.
Her breakthrough year reached another level at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets in five matches.
Her best figures were 4 for 19 against the Netherlands, while she also took three wickets each against South Africa and Pakistan and two apiece against Bangladesh and Australia. The performances helped her become the No.1-ranked bowler in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings.
Since winning the Player of the Series award on the tour of England last year, Charani has made a significant rise. She has also been a key part of the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League.
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