Harmanpreet Kaur becomes the most-capped player in women’s cricket

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur scripted history on Thursday by becoming the most-capped player in women’s international cricket. The milestone came during the second T20I against Australia at the Manuka Oval, where Kaur made her 356th international appearance for India.

In doing so, she surpassed the previous record of 355 matches held by New Zealand stalwart Suzie Bates. Kaur now tops the all-time list of women’s international appearances, ahead of Bates, Australia’s Ellyse Perry (349 matches) and former India skipper Mithali Raj (333). England great Charlotte Edwards completes the top five with 309 appearances.

Since making her debut in 2009, Kaur has forged a remarkable career across formats. Her 356 matches include six Tests, 161 ODIs and 189 T20Is, with the landmark game also marking her 189th outing in the shortest format.

The latest feat adds to an already decorated journey. Kaur led India to their maiden ODI World Cup title in 2025 and recently captained the side to a T20I series triumph in England. Earlier this month, she was honoured with the Padma Shri in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.

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India entered the second T20I with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, part of a multi-format tour comprising three ODIs and a one-off Test.

In the series opener at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India secured a 21-run victory over Australia via the DLS method. The win was powered by a career-best spell from Arundhati Reddy, who claimed 4 for 22 to bowl Australia out for 133 in 18 overs.

Despite contributions from Georgia Wareham (30), Phoebe Litchfield (26) and Perry (20), Australia suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just 12 runs after appearing well placed.

India responded strongly with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana adding 50 runs in just 5.1 overs before heavy rain intervened. With no further play possible, India were declared winners under the DLS method, taking early control of the series.