Megan Schutt Surpasses Pakistan's Nida Dar to Become Highest Wicket-taker in Women's T20Is

Fast bowler Megan Schutt on Tuesday scripted history as Australia locked horns with India in the final T20I of the 3-match series at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The right-arm quick dismissed India opener Shafali Verma to become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is. The 30-year-old surpassed Pakistan’s Nida Dar, altering the record books of women’s cricket.

INDW vs AUSW 3rd T20I Live Score

Australia struck early in the game after opting to bowl first. Schutt drew the first blood, getting Verma caught behind, for 26 off 17 balls, with an outswinger. She her tally to 131 wickets in 105 matches after breaking India’s opening partnership in the decider.

Most Wickets in Women’s T20Is

Interestingly, Schutt returned wicketless in the last two encounters against India. However, she was among one of the economic Australian bowlers in both matches. She registered figures of 0 for 26 in the opening game of the series while in the next game, she returned 0/29 in four overs.

Meanwhile, India suffered yet another batting collapse after a strong start provided by Verma and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. The duo had added 39 runs to the first wicket before Schutt provided a record breakthrough to Australia.

Mandhana continued anchoring the innings but lacked support from the other end. But the hosts lost her, for 29, and Jemimah Rodrigues (2) in quick succession, before Harmanpreet Kaur was knocked over by Annabel Sutherland in the 10th over.

Garth bowled a slower one but Harmanpreet was way too early into her drive, getting an inside edge which crashed onto the stumps and left India gasping for breath from 60 for one to 66 for four.

Harmanpreet, who was dismissed for three, registered her sixth single-digit score in as many outings.

India were reduced to 66/4 in 9.5 overs when Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma joined forces and stitched a small-yet-helpful 33-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Deepti did well to strike two fours but once again Australia made a breakthrough to keep control with Wareham returning to dismiss the all-rounder for 14 (18). Ghosh top-scored for India with a 28-ball 34 while openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana chipped in with 26 and 29 respectively. For Australia, Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham took two wickets apiece.