Shree Charani Becomes India's Highest Wicket-Taker in Single T20 World Cup Edition

Shree Charani (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Indian spinner Shree Charani continued her dream run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, rewriting the record books on Thursday by becoming the highest wicket-taker for India in a single edition of the tournament. The newly crowned world No. 1 T20I bowler achieved the milestone during India’s Group A clash against Bangladesh at Old Trafford, Manchester, surpassing Poonam Yadav’s previous record of 10 wickets set during the 2020 edition. Charani claimed 2/21 from her four overs, dismissing Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter, to take her tally to 12 wickets in just four matches. The left-arm spinner has been the standout bowler of the competition so far, averaging a remarkable 7.08 while maintaining an economy rate of just 5.31. Her best figures in the tournament remain 4/19. The achievement places Charani alongside some of the greatest bowling performances in Women's T20 World Cup history. Only New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who claimed 15 wickets in the 2024 edition, and England’s Anya Shrubsole and Australia’s Megan Schutt, with 13 wickets each, have managed better returns in a single tournament.

India bowlers keep Bangladesh in check

Charani’s record-breaking performance came during another disciplined bowling display by India as Bangladesh were restricted to 136/8 after opting to bat first. Renuka Singh Thakur struck early to remove Dilara Akter, but Bangladesh recovered through Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary, who added 51 runs for the second wicket. Ferdous top-scored with 33 off 30 balls, while Mostary contributed 22. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana then attempted to accelerate with a brisk 32, including four boundaries, and briefly shifted momentum in her side’s favour. However, India regained control through timely breakthroughs. Nandini Sharma ended Ferdous’ innings with a sharp return catch before Radha Yadav removed Mostary and later played a key role in restricting the middle order.

Most wickets for India Women in a T20 World Cup edition

12* - Shree Charani in 2026

10 - Poonam Yadav in 2020

9 - Diana David in 2010

8 - Poonam Yadav in 2014

8 - Poonam Yadav in 2018

8 - Radha Yadav in 2018

Radha shines as Charani caps memorable day

While Charani grabbed the headlines with her historic feat, Radha Yadav produced an equally important spell, finishing with 3/28 to emerge as India’s most successful bowler in the innings. The pair combined effectively during the closing stages, with Charani striking twice late in the innings to prevent Bangladesh from mounting a strong finish. Bangladesh eventually closed on 136/8, a total that appeared below par considering the opportunities handed to them by a few dropped catches in the field.

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Most wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup edition

15 - Amelia Kerr (NZ-W, 2024)

13 - Anya Shrubsole (ENG-W, 2014)

13 - Megan Schutt (AUS-W, 2020)

12 - Nonkululeko Mlaba (SA-W, 2024)

12 - Shree Charani (IND-W, 2026)

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