Harmanpreet Kaur becomes first cricketer to play 200 T20Is

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name into the record books by becoming the first player in the history of men’s and women’s cricket to feature in 200 T20 International matches. The landmark moment came during India’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against South Africa at Old Trafford on Sunday, June 21.

Harmanpreet made her international debut in an ODI against Pakistan in March 2009 before appearing in her maiden T20I against England at Taunton later that year.

Reflecting on her journey before the start of the match, the Indian skipper expressed gratitude towards everyone who played a role in her career.

“I think, honestly, it’s been an amazing journey. I never thought I’ll come that far, but I think God has been kind and I’m really thankful to him and to my family, friends, BCCI, all my teammates. They’ve been really supportive,” Harmanpreet said at the toss.

The 36-year-old also admitted feeling nervous about the occasion while speaking about debutant Prema Rawat, whom she presented with her maiden India cap.

“I think I’m more nervous playing 200th game and she is someone who looks very calm and hopefully she’ll enjoy the game,” she added, having awarded the debut cap to Prema Rawat.

With 200 T20I appearances, Harmanpreet now stands alone at the top of the list for most matches played in the format. She is followed by New Zealand stalwart Suzie Bates, who has represented her country in 184 T20Is. England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge occupies third place with 183 matches, while Australia’s Ellyse Perry and India’s Smriti Mandhana complete the top five with 177 and 169 appearances respectively.

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Among men’s cricketers, Ireland captain Paul Stirling holds the record with 163 T20I matches. Former India skipper Rohit Sharma follows with 159 appearances, while Ireland’s George Dockrell, England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, and Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi round off the top five.

Meanwhile, team India suffered a six-wicket loss against South Africa defending a target. South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was clinical with both bat and ball, clinching a player of the match award.