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Indian captain Mithali Raj has entered the history books of women’s cricket by becoming the highest-scorer in the one-day format. In the very same innings, Mithali also went on to become the first women’s cricketer to score 6000 ODI runs.
Mithali broke the former record with her 34th run in an innings of 69 against Australia in a group stage game of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The Indian dressing room now boasts of not just the highest-scorer in women’s one-day cricket but also the highest wicket-taker. Pacer Jhulan Goswami’s 160 wickets are the most by a bowler in the format.
The 6000-run milestone was achieved with a huge six off leg-break bowler Kirsten Beams as she received a standing ovation from the Indian bench. She was finally out for a sedate 69 off 114 balls.
Mithali now has 6028 runs from 183 games.
Into her 15th year in international cricket, Mithali has been an inspiration for a generation of women cricketers, who have taken up the game solely inspired by her heady achievements. The Hyderabad girl, and Jhulan Goswami, are the only two surviving players in the squad of 15, who have made their debut before the 2003 World Cup.
Mithali first shot into prominence when she scored 214 -- still the highest score by an Indian in women's Test match against England at Taunton back in 2002.
BCCI acting president CK Khanna congratulated the skipper on her achievement.
"I on behalf of BCCI congratulate Mithali Raj Indian Women Team Captain on her spectacular achievement. Mithali Raj showed her class in her early days of International career by scoring century in One Day International debut in 1999.Mithali Raj has a record for most consecutive fifties by an international women cricketer," Khanna said.
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