Women's Asia Cup: Thipatcha Putthawong Reclaims T20I Wicket-Taking Record, Overtakes Deepti Sharma

New Delhi, September 2: The record for most wickets in Women's T20Is changed hands again! Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong has reclaimed the title of the most prolific wicket-taker in Women's T20I history, overtaking India's Deepti Sharma with her 172nd wicket during the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai.

Putthawong reached the landmark on September 1 against Pakistan, claiming her 172nd T20I wicket in only the second over of the match. The dismissal took her past Deepti's tally of 171 wickets and restored the Thailand spinner to the top of the all-time list, just days after the Indian all-rounder had briefly taken the record.

The latest milestone adds another chapter to an increasingly competitive battle for statistical supremacy in women's T20I cricket. Deepti had moved to the top of the wicket-taking charts after surpassing Putthawong's previous tally, but her reign lasted only briefly before the Thai bowler responded with a record-breaking performance of her own.

Putthawong's achievement is particularly significant for Thailand, whose women's team continues to make strides on the international stage. By becoming the first bowler to reach 172 wickets in Women's T20Is, she has further underlined her standing as one of the format's most prolific wicket-takers. With the Women's T20 Asia Cup underway, Putthawong now has the opportunity to extend her lead and strengthen her place in the history of the shortest format.

Muneeba & Pakistan Throw Thailand Out Of Asia Cup

Pakistan opened its T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a comfortable 35-run victory over Thailand in Dubai, but the result also exposed familiar concerns with the team's batting. Thailand, meanwhile, were eliminated after suffering their second defeat in three matches.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana opted to bat despite the decision raising some eyebrows on a slow, low surface. The move ultimately paid off, although Pakistan managed only 119 for 9 in their 20 overs. Muneeba Ali once again provided the backbone of the innings, battling through the oppressive Dubai heat to score 54 off 52 balls.

Muneeba found it difficult to breathe in the conditions and was repeatedly forced to pause, even receiving attention from the team physio. Yet she held the innings together, first adding 54 with Sadaf Shamas before carrying on after her dismissal. Shamas contributed a valuable 20, while Tuba Hasan supplied late impetus with an unbeaten 12 from just four deliveries, including a towering six.

Pakistan's bowlers then made the modest total look more than sufficient. Sadia Iqbal struck twice in a double-wicket maiden early in Thailand's chase, immediately putting the batting side under pressure. Nashra Sandhu followed with an economical spell, conceding just six runs in four overs and taking a wicket, while Iqbal returned at the death to finish with outstanding figures of 3 for 11.

Thailand never found momentum and ended on 84 for 8. Pakistan's disciplined spin attack ensured there was little room for a recovery. However, with India next, Pakistan will need considerably more from their batting if they are to challenge stronger opposition.