In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, where batsmen often steal the spotlight, bowlers like Ekta Bisht have carved out legendary status through sheer skill and determination. Born on February 8, 1986, in Almora, Uttarakhand, Bisht picked up the cricket ball at just six years old, defying norms in a region where women’s cricket was virtually unheard of. She honed her craft playing alongside boys, building the resilience that would define her career.
Bisht burst onto the international scene on June 23, 2011, against Australia in a T20 match, representing Uttar Pradesh in domestic circuits. She followed it up with ODI and Test debuts soon after. But October 3, 2012, stands as a golden milestone. During the Women’s T20 World Cup clash with Sri Lanka, the left-arm spinner unleashed a hat-trick, becoming the first Indian – man or woman – to achieve this feat in T20Is. It was a moment that etched her name in history books, predating Deepak Chahar’s men’s team record by years.
Her international stats speak volumes: 3 wickets in a single Test, 98 in ODIs across 63 matches, and 53 in 42 T20Is. A key player in India’s 2017 ODI World Cup final run, Bisht’s standout performance came against Pakistan, where her five-wicket haul sealed a crucial victory. Even in the domestic arena, she shone, earning a spot with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2024 Women’s Premier League.
Now approaching 40, Bisht hasn’t formally retired from international cricket, but her last appearance was on February 18, 2022. She remains active in leagues and domestic tournaments, inspiring a new generation of female cricketers in India. Her journey from Uttarakhand’s dusty grounds to global acclaim underscores the evolving landscape of women’s cricket.