NEW DELHI: India’s rising left-arm spinner Shree Charani has equaled the record for most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in a single edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, correspondingly. Poonam YadavThe tally of 10 wickets from the 2020 tournament.Charani achieved the landmark during India’s Group A clash against South Africa in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, achieving the feat in just her third match of the tournament. The 21-year-old has now taken 10 wickets for 64 runs in 12 overs at an impressive economy rate of 5.33, underlining her rapid rise on the global stage.With at least two league games remaining – and potentially more in the knockout stages – Charani is now on the verge of creating history by becoming the record holder.
India’s most wickets in a single edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup
- 10 – Poonam Yadav (2020)
- 10 – Shree Charani (2026)
- 9 – Diana David (2010)
- 8 – Poonam Yadav (2014)
- 8 – Poonam Yadav (2018)
- 8 – Radha Yadav (2018)
Charani shines despite India’s defeat in South Africa
Charani’s record-breaking performance came in a tense contest at a crucial stage of the tournament, although India finished South Africa by six wickets.South Africa chased down India’s total of 158/7 with five balls to spare, finishing on 161/4, fueled by a superb unbeaten 81 from Marizanne Kapp.Kapp, who also contributed with the ball, capitalized on two dropped occasions to anchor a decisive 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits (40), which tilted the match in South Africa’s favour.India had briefly taken control through Charani’s brilliance in the powerplay. She struck twice in a sensational spell, removing Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen in quick succession to break South Africa’s early momentum.However, missed opportunities on the field allowed the Proteas to bounce back, with Kapp making the most of his life to lead his side home.Earlier, India struggled on a slow pitch and were reduced from 54 for no loss to 83 for four before Deepti Sharma (29) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (24) settled the innings. Despite their efforts, India could only post a total below par.
What is the most impressive aspect of Shree Charani’s bowling in this tournament?
While India came up short in the match, Charani’s consistency emerged as one of the biggest positives of the campaign. With two matches left in the group stage and a possible KO ahead, she now has a realistic chance of surpassing Poonam Yadav and owning the record outright.
