Australian cricketer Ellyse Perry made history on Saturday by becoming the first player ever, in both men’s and women’s Cricket, to participate in 50 T20 World Cup matches. This landmark achievement took place when she was included in Australia’s team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire.
Perry, a highly accomplished player, made her T20I debut in 2008 and has played in every Women’s T20 World Cup since the first one in 2009, with her initial appearance against New Zealand in Taunton.
At 35, she has been crucial to Australia’s success in T20 cricket, contributing to six Women’s T20 World Cup titles, making her one of the most successful players in the tournament’s history.
On reaching this milestone, Perry shared her appreciation for her long tenure with the national team.
“Being part of a World Cup and an Australian team is always incredible,” Perry told Cricket Australia. “I feel very lucky to have played for such a special team. Each T20 World Cup experience has been unique, and I can hardly believe I’ve reached 50 matches,” she added.
Perry continues to be a key player in the current tournament. She participated in all three of Australia’s matches leading up to the game against the Netherlands and made important contributions in the earlier matches.
In the tournament opener against South Africa, she scored 36 runs and also played well against Bangladesh. Prior to her 50th appearance, Perry had achieved 558 runs and taken 42 wickets in the T20 World Cup, solidifying her status as one of the top all-rounders in the sport.
Overall, Australia has played 52 Women’s T20 World Cup matches, including the one against the Netherlands. Perry missed only the semi-final and final of the 2020 tournament due to a hamstring injury. Out of her 49 World Cup matches, she has been part of 40 victories, showcasing a stellar record at this elite level.
Former Australia captain Alyssa Healy and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates are next in line with 42 appearances each. Among active players, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine have also surpassed 40 matches in Women’s T20 World Cups.
In the men’s T20 World Cup, former India captain Rohit Sharma holds the record for most appearances with 47 matches. Perry equaled this record at the beginning of the 2026 edition before surpassing it with her latest match.