Shree Charani (Pic credit: BCCI Women)

NEW DELHI: India’s rising left-arm spinner Shree Charani has equalled the record for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in a single Women’s T20 World Cup edition, matching Poonam Yadav’s tally of 10 wickets from the 2020 tournament.Charani reached the landmark during India’s Group A clash against South Africa in the ongoing 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup 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 matches remaining — and potentially more in the knockout stages — Charani now stands on the brink of creating history by becoming the outright record-holder.

India’s most wickets in a single Women’s T20 World Cup edition

Charani shines despite India’s defeat to South Africa

Charani’s record-equalling performance came in a tense contest at a crucial stage of the tournament, although India eventually went down to South Africa by six wickets.South Africa chased down India’s total of 158/7 with five balls to spare, finishing on 161/4, powered by a superb unbeaten 81 from Marizanne Kapp.Kapp, who also contributed with the ball, capitalised on two dropped chances to anchor a decisive 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits (40), which tilted the match in South Africa’s favour.India had briefly seized 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 chances in the field allowed the Proteas to recover, with Kapp making full use of her lifelines to guide her team home.Earlier, India struggled on a sluggish pitch and were reduced from 54 without loss to 83 for four before Deepti Sharma (29) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (24) steadied the innings. Despite their efforts, India could only post a below-par total.While India fell short in the match, Charani’s consistency has emerged as one of the biggest positives of the campaign. With two matches left in the group stage and a possible knockout run ahead, she now has a realistic chance to surpass Poonam Yadav and own the record outright.