Harmanpreet becomes most-capped player in women's international cricket
Canberra, Feb 19
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name into the record books on Thursday, becoming the most-capped player in women's international cricket during the second T20I against Australia at the Manuka Oval.
The landmark appearance marked Kaur's 356th international match for India, taking her past the previous record of 355 matches held by New Zealand great Suzie Bates.
With the record, Kaur now leads the all-time list of international appearances in women's cricket, ahead of Bates, Australia's Ellyse Perry (349 matches), and former India captain Mithali Raj (333 matches). England legend Charlotte Edwards rounds out the top five with 309 appearances.
Kaur, who made her international debut in 2009, has built an extensive career across all three formats. Her record tally comprises six Tests, 161 ODIs and 189 T20Is, with the milestone match also being her 189th appearance in the T20I format.
Kaur's latest milestone adds to an already decorated career defined by leadership and major achievements. She guided India to their maiden ODI World Cup triumph in 2025 and recently oversaw a T20I series win in England. Earlier this month, she was also honoured with the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.
India entered the match holding a 1-0 advantage in the three-match T20I series, which is part of a broader multi-format tour that also includes three ODIs and a one-off Test.
India registered a 21-run victory over Australia via the DLS method in the first T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground, thanks largely to a career-best bowling performance from Arundhati Reddy.
Reddy's outstanding figures of 4-22 helped bowl Australia out for 133 in 18 overs, despite brief resistance from Georgia Wareham (30), Phoebe Litchfield (26), and Ellyse Perry (20). Australia's innings collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets for just 12 runs after a promising partnership.
In reply, India made a strong start with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana adding 50 runs in 5.1 overs. However, heavy rain halted play, and with no further action possible, India were declared the winners under the DLS method. The win gave India an early advantage in the multi-format series
— IANS
Reader Comments
So proud! She has carried the team on her shoulders for so long. Surpassing legends like Mithali Raj and Suzie Bates is no small feat. Her aggressive batting and fearless captaincy have changed women's cricket in India. Well deserved Padma Shri!
As a cricket fan from abroad, this is phenomenal. The consistency to play at the top level for 15 years across all formats is remarkable. She's an icon not just for India but for the global game. Congratulations to Harmanpreet!
A great milestone, no doubt. But I hope the focus remains on winning this series in Australia. The record is fantastic, but beating the Aussies in their backyard would be an even bigger statement for the team. Let's go, Women in Blue!
Respect from New Zealand! Suzie Bates held that record with pride, and it's fitting that another great of the game like Harmanpreet has taken it. The women's game is in great hands with such inspiring athletes.
This news made my day! She's such an inspiration for young girls across small towns in India. Shows that with hard work, you can reach the very top. Also, great to see Arundhati Reddy's performance getting a mention - the future looks bright!
V