Before India’s historic runners-up finish at the 2017 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, most fans knew the two pillars of Indian women’s cricket: Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. But beyond these legends, a host of other talented players quietly carved their names into the record books—players like Rumeli Dhar, Amita Sharma, Neetu David, Nooshin Al Khadeer, and Priyanka Roy. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup now less than a month away, it’s time to reflect on one of those record-setters, Priyanka Roy, who etched her place in history by taking the first-ever five-wicket haul at the tournament.
A gifted leg-spinner, Roy was born on March 2, 1988, in Kolkata. Her debut in the T20I format came during the inaugural ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009, where India was placed in Group B, alongside heavyweights England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. India’s campaign began on a shaky note with a defeat against the hosts, England. But what followed was nothing short of memorable. In their next match against arch-rivals Pakistan, India registered their first-ever win in the tournament, and it was the young Roy, playing in just her second T20I, who rose to the occasion, delivering a standout performance that earned her the Player of the Match award.
On June 13, 2009, in the beautiful surroundings of the County Ground in Taunton, the stage was set for the sixth match of the T20 World Cup, where India faced Pakistan. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, but India’s bowling attack, led by Jhulan Goswami and Rumeli Dhar, immediately applied pressure. Dhar struck early, removing opener Bismah Maroof, and soon after, dismissed Nain Abidi and number three batter Sajida Shah, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 27 for 3. Fielding heroics by India, coupled with Gouher Sultana’s sharp bowling, saw Pakistan crumble further to 42 for 5.
At this crucial juncture, India needed someone to seize the momentum and close out the innings, and it was Priyanka Roy who took on the responsibility. With tight, disciplined bowling, she offered no room for Pakistan to breathe, starting her dream spell by removing Javeria Khan in the 14th over. That wicket ignited a dominant display as Roy swiftly picked up Armaan Khan in the same over. With Pakistan’s captain Sana Mir now at the crease, Roy, supported by Goswami’s tactical leadership, took the wicket of the opposition skipper, followed quickly by removing Qanita Jalil, claiming her fourth scalp. As Pakistan scrambled for runs, Roy was entrusted with bowling the final over of the innings, and she didn’t disappoint, sending Batool Fatima back to the pavilion to complete her five-wicket haul. Her final figures, 5 for 16, sealed a remarkable performance, etching her name in the history books.
India’s chase, however, wasn’t without its hurdles. At 16 for 3, the match hung in the balance, but India’s middle order showed resilience. A crucial 20-run partnership between Anjum Chopra and Roy steadied the innings, followed by two more valuable stands featuring Chopra, Sulakshana Naik, and Reema Malhotra, which ultimately helped India reach the modest target of 76 runs and secure a hard-fought victory.
Roy’s five-wicket haul was the first for India in T20I history and globally, it was only the second in women’s T20 cricket, following Amy Satterthwaite’s 6 for 17 against England in 2007. Over her T20I career, Roy represented India in 15 matches, claiming 21 wickets at an impressive average of 12.47, with an economy rate just below six runs per over. She was also a dependable lower-order batter, with the highest score of 22 in T20Is, while in ODIs, she played 27 matches, taking 17 wickets and recording a career-best unbeaten 69, showcasing her all-round abilities.
Roy’s final appearance for India came in the 2011 Women’s Quadrangular series, which saw India competing against cricketing powerhouses like England, New Zealand, and Australia. While her international career may have been relatively short, her contributions, especially her record-breaking five-wicket haul in the 2009 T20 World Cup, left an indelible mark on Indian women’s cricket. Her feats continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers, reminding us that legends aren’t just made in World Cup finals but in the moments that change the course of a game.
