Ellyse Perry becomes first-ever cricketer to play 50 T20 World Cup matches

Australia star Ellyse Perry etched her name into the record books on Saturday, becoming the first cricketer in history, across both men’s and women’s cricket, to feature in 50 T20 World Cup matches. The milestone came after Perry was named in Australia’s playing XI for their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against the Netherlands at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire.

One of the most decorated cricketers of her generation, Perry made her T20I debut for Australia in 2008 and has represented the team in every Women’s T20 World Cup since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2009. Her first appearance in the global event came against New Zealand in Taunton.

Over the years, the 35-year-old has played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance in the shortest format, winning six Women’s T20 World Cup titles. The achievement places her among the most successful players in the history of the competition.

Reflecting on the landmark, Perry expressed gratitude for her long journey with the national side.

“It’s always just incredibly awesome to be a part of a World Cup, to be a part of an Australian team,” Perry told Cricket Australia.

“It’s a special team to play cricket for. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done it for a period of time, and I think certainly over the journey of T20 World Cups and the experience that we’ve had at every single one of them, they’ve all been unique and different. I can’t believe I’ve played 50,” she continued.

Perry has remained an important member of the Australian side in the ongoing tournament. She featured in all three of Australia’s matches heading into the Netherlands fixture and made significant contributions in the opening games.

The veteran all-rounder scored 36 runs against South Africa in Australia’s tournament opener before making useful contributions with both bat and ball against Bangladesh. Ahead of her 50th T20 World Cup appearance, Perry had accumulated 558 runs and claimed 42 wickets in the tournament, underlining her impact as one of the game’s premier all-rounders.

Australia have played 52 Women’s T20 World Cup matches overall, including the contest against the Netherlands. Perry’s only absences came during the semi-final and final of the 2020 edition after she suffered a hamstring injury. The Australian veteran has been part of 40 wins from her previous 49 Women’s T20 World Cup appearances, further highlighting her remarkable record on the biggest stage.

Former Australia captain Alyssa Healy and New Zealand stalwart Suzie Bates sit next on the list with 42 appearances each. Among active players, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine have also crossed the 40-match mark in Women’s T20 World Cups.

In men’s T20 World Cup cricket, former India captain Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most appearances with 47 matches. Perry had drawn level with that tally at the start of the 2026 edition before surpassing it with her latest appearance.