Not Mithali Raj or Ellyse Perry: Harmanpreet Kaur becomes only women cricketer to achieve this historic feat

Melbourne, February 19 — India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday entered uncharted territory, becoming the most-capped player in the history of women’s international cricket when she strode out for the toss of the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The appearance marked her 356th match across formats, nudging her past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates (355) and establishing a new benchmark for longevity in the global game.

The 35-year-old from Moga, who made her debut in 2009, has now played six Tests, 161 One-Day Internationals and 189 T20Is, compiling 8,393 runs in national colours. Her nearest contemporary challengers — Ellyse Perry (349), Mithali Raj (333), Charlotte Edwards (309), Sophie Devine (305), Heather Knight (303) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (302) — all trail the new record-holder by varying margins.

Speaking at the toss, Kaur allowed herself a brief moment of reflection before turning the spotlight back on the team. “It’s a great achievement for me,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll keep doing the hard work for the team and keep playing as much as I can.”

The milestone caps a remarkable 12-month stretch for the all-rounder, who skippered India to their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2025 with a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final. Between international duties, she has also accumulated 107 matches in franchise leagues — 35 in the Women’s Premier League, 62 in the Women’s Big Bash League and 10 in The Hundred — underscoring an appetite for cricket that shows little sign of waning.

With the three-match T20I series against Australia level at 1-1, Kaur will look to convert personal history into team success when the sides meet in the decider.