Deepti Sharma Breaks Jhulan Goswami Record at Lord’s

Record‑Breaking Bowling Feat

India’s all‑rounder Deepti Sharma made history on the opening day at Lord’s by becoming the foremost wicket‑taker in women’s international cricket. The 27‑year‑old surpassed the legendary Jhulan Goswami, moving from 355 to 356 career wickets. Deepti now tops a prestigious list that also features England’s Sophie Ecclestone (338), Australia’s Ellyse Perry (336) and South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail (325). Her achievement was coupled with a crucial 57‑run innings that helped India post a total of 285.

Earlier in the day, India stumbled after losing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia within the first seven overs. Smriti Mandhana steadied the ship with an 83‑run knock, adding 64 for the third wicket alongside Jemimah Rodrigues, who struck a brisk 35. Mandhana later forged an 89‑run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, keeping India in control until the middle‑order collapsed. Deepti’s batting and bowling efforts delayed England’s charge, sharing a 45‑run stand with Sneh Rana.

India’s Middle‑Order Collapse and Resurgence

When Mandhana fell for 83, England seized momentum, and Harmanpreet’s dismissal just before tea triggered a rapid decline. India’s score slipped from 190 for three to 285 all out, with the final seven wickets falling for just 85 runs. The middle‑order fragility was offset by Deepti’s composed contribution and the early half‑centuries from Mandhana and Harmanpreet. This pattern highlights how a single breakthrough can still coexist with a dramatic run‑out in the final overs.

The batting display also underscored the depth of India’s talent, with three players crossing fifty. However, the inability to convert those starts into a commanding total left the side vulnerable to a disciplined bowling attack.

England’s Bowlers Shine and Respond

England’s spin legend Sophie Ecclestone also reached a personal milestone, overtaking Katherine Sciver‑Brunt to become the host nation’s top wicket‑taker with 338 scalps. She recorded figures of 3 for 68 in the innings, adding to her already impressive international record. At stumps, England were 21 for one, with Kranti Goud removing Tammy Beaumont for two. Maya Bouchier remained unbeaten on 17, while Heather Knight scored a single run without being dismissed.

The response from England’s batting line‑up will be crucial as they chase a 264‑run target. The early breakthrough by Kranti sets the tone for a potential turnaround in the second innings.

Top Wicket‑Takers in Women’s International Cricket

• Deepti Sharma (IND) – 356 wickets
• Jhulan Goswami (IND) – 355 wickets
• Sophie Ecclestone (ENG) – 338 wickets
• Ellyse Perry (AUS) – 336 wickets
• Katherine Sciver‑Brunt (ENG) – 335 wickets
• Shabnim Ismail (SA) – 325 wickets

Deepti’s record leap not only elevates her personal legacy but also reshapes the narrative of modern women’s cricket. Her dual impact with bat and ball demonstrates the evolving role of all‑rounders in high‑stakes Test matches. As the series continues, India will look to build on this historic day, while England will aim to close the gap and assert their own strengths on the field.