India women’s cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has carved her name into the corridors of time yet again, becoming the most capped player — the athlete with the most appearances for the national team in international games — accumulating a total of 356 international matches, while playing in Canberra on 19 February 2026, and surpassing New Zealand batter Suzie Bates, who had held the record at 355. The milestone transpired during the second T20I of a three-match series against Australia at Manuka Oval.
The accomplishment highlights one of the most significant personal milestones in women’s cricket and the extraordinary longevity Kaur has brought to a career that began over 17 years ago.
From Debut to Making History
The record-breaking cricketer’s tally of 356 caps spans six Test matches, 161 One-Day Internationals, and 189 T20 Internationals, making her one of the most prominent and versatile sportswomen in cricketing history, with an international debut at 19. She played internationally for India against Pakistan in Bowral for the first time on March 7, 2009.
With over 8,300 runs, scoring 200 runs in Tests, 4,409 in ODIs, and 3,784 in T2OIs, Kaur has recorded eight centuries and 38 half-centuries across formats, while taking 75 wickets and holding 139 catches.
A Record That Belonged to a Legend: Suzie Bates
Suzie Bates, who held the golden standard of longevity in sports and made her 355th international appearance in October 2025, is the former captain of New Zealand’s women’s cricket team. She made her final appearance during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match against England in Visakhapatnam, setting a record that stood for months.
Behind Bates at 355 on the all-time list are Australia’s Ellyse Perry at 349, former India captain Mithali Raj with 333, England’s Charlotte Edwards with 309, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine with 305, England’s Heather Knight with 303, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge with 302. Hermanpreet now stands alone above all of them.
What Kaur Said at the Toss
Articulating at the toss before the match, Kaur reacted with calibration and responded, “It’s a great achievement for me. Hopefully I’ll keep doing the hard work for the team and keep playing as much as I can.” India head coach Amol Muzumdar recounted the moment as special, both for the player and for the broader development of women’s cricket in India.
A Career marked by milestones
Although the record is staggering, Kaur has many other defining moments in her career that stand just as tall. Her unbeaten 171 in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal against Australia at Derby remains one of the most-replayed innings in the history of the women’s game.
This cameo appeared from nowhere when India were struggling, and transformed a likely defeat into a comprehensive win that sent India to their first World Cup final in thirteen years. It was the innings that gave her international prominence.
India’s Most-Capped Women Cricketer has been equally notable in her franchise’s fixtures. She has represented teams in the Women’s Premier League (35 matches), the Women’s Big Bash League (62 matches), and The Hundred (10 matches), reflecting both the expanding global calendar for women’s cricket and her enduring appeal as a player in high-demand leagues.
What’s next
At 36, Kaur shows no indication of slowing down. India’s ongoing series in Australia will offer her further opportunities to extend records that belong in different categories. For now, though, the 356th capper has set a great precedent for India’s Women Cricketers. This achievement will be remembered, the one that made her, officially and undeniably, the most experienced women’s cricketer the sport has ever produced.
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Most-Capped Players in Women’s International Cricket (All-Time)
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches |
| 1 | Harmanpreet Kaur | India | 356 |
| 2 | Suzie Bates | New Zealand | 355 |
| 3 | Ellyse Perry | England | 349 |
| 4 | Mithali Raj | India | 333 |
| 5 | Charlotte Edwards | England | 309 |
| 6 | Sophie Devine | New Zealand | 305 |
| 7 | Heather Knight | England | 303 |
| 8 | Danni Wyatt-Hodge | England | 302 |
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FAQs
1. What record did Harmanpreet Kaur break in February 2026?
Harmanpreet Kaur broke the record for the most number of appearances in international games with a total of 356 international matches, while playing in Canberra on 19 February 2026, surpassing New Zealand batter Suzie Bates, who had held the record at 355.
2. Who held the most-capped women’s cricketer record before Harmanpreet Kaur?
Suzie Bates, from New Zealand Women’s Cricket, held the record with 355 international appearances before retiring in 2025.
3. When and where did Harmanpreet Kaur make her international debut?
Harmanpreet Kaur made her international debut on March 7, 2009, against Pakistan in Bowral, Australia, at the age of 19.
4. How many international runs has Harmanpreet Kaur scored in her career?
With over 8,300 runs, scoring 200 runs in Tests, 4,409 in ODIs, and 3,784 in T2OIs, Kaur has recorded eight centuries and 38 half-centuries across formats, while taking 75 wickets and holding 139 catches.
5. What is Harmanpreet Kaur’s most famous innings in international cricket?
Her unbeaten 171 in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal against Australia at Derby is widely regarded as her greatest innings. The knock transformed a near-certain defeat into a comprehensive victory and sent India to their first World Cup final in thirteen years.
6. Has Harmanpreet Kaur ever won an ICC title as captain?
Yes. Harmanpreet Kaur won her first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final.
7. What is the full list of most-capped players in women’s international cricket history?
Harmanpreet Kaur leads with 356 appearances, followed by Suzie Bates of New Zealand with 355, Ellyse Perry of Australia with 349, Mithali Raj of India with 333, Charlotte Edwards of England with 309, Sophie Devine of New Zealand with 305, Heather Knight of England with 303, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge of England with 302.
8. What government honor did Harmanpreet Kaur receive in 2026?
Harmanpreet Kaur was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in February 2026 in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to Indian cricket and women’s sport.
9. How many wickets and catches does Harmanpreet Kaur have in international cricket?
Harmanpreet Kaur has taken 75 international wickets and held 139 catches.
10. Is Harmanpreet Kaur still playing international cricket in 2026?
Yes. Kaur still plays international cricket for India at 36 years old.
