The star Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt on Tuesday (October 8) made a milestone in Women’s T20 World Cup history by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history. The 31-year-old achieved this accomplishment in her team’s second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 currently underway against New Zealand at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. She ended the game with the match report of 3 wickets for 3 runs within 3.2 overs. As a result of her exceptional performance with the ball, the six-time T20 World Cup champions bowled out the White Ferns for 88 runs in 19.2 overs and elegantly won the match by 60 runs.
Schutt had matched the record for the most wickets taken in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 of 43 wickets set by south African speedster Shabnim Ismail, during the Australia’s opening match against Sri lanka on Saturday (October 5), and on Tuesday she has dethroned all her rivals to the top of the women’s T20 world cup all-time wicket exchanges.
Most wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup
Megan Schutt (Australia) – 46
Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) – 43
Anya Shrubsole (England) – 41
Ellyse Perry (Australia) – 40
Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) – 33
Now, Schutt has taken 46 wickets in 26 games. She crossed Ismail’s tally while getting rid of Georgia Plimmer the New Zealander opening batter on four runs in the second ball of the third over. She managed to grab her second wicket of the match on the third ball of the 12 over where she bowled out all-rounder Amelia Kerr. Kerr was the top scorer for the New Zealand side making 29 runs off 31 deliveries. She had earlier taken four wickets during the first innings of the match
Schutt, in Sharjah added themselves another famous victory over Eden Carson who was dismissed on the 20th over’s second ball.
Schutt was announced the Player of the Match for her exceptional bowling display. The victory against New Zealand propelled Australia to the top of Group A’s points table, but it has also created chances for India’s entry into the semifinals of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Ellyse Perry, a star all-rounder and teammate of Schutt, comes a close second to her as the leading wicket-taker. While Perry is a medium pace bowler, she has also taken 40 wickets in 44 matches of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Having won two straight games, Australia will take on Pakistan in Dubai on Friday (October 11), while the much awaited match against India will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday (October 13).
