Mithali Raj cricket history a trailblazer in women’s cricket, has achieved numerous historic milestones throughout her illustrious career:
Leading Run-Scorer in Women’s ODIs: On July 12, 2017, during the ICC Women’s World Cup match against Australia, Raj became the highest run-scorer in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). She surpassed England’s Charlotte Edwards’ record of 5,992 runs and became the first woman to cross the 6,000-run mark in ODIs.
First Indian Woman to Score 10,000 International Runs: On March 12, 2021, Raj became the first Indian female cricketer to score 10,000 international runs, joining England’s Charlotte Edwards in this elite club.
Record Sixth World Cup Appearance: In March 2022, Raj became the first woman, and only the third cricketer ever, to appear in six ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups, joining the ranks of Javed Miandad and Sachin Tendulkar.
These achievements underscore Mithali Raj’s exceptional talent, dedication, and significant contributions to women’s cricket on both national and international stages.
ODI history
Mithali Raj has cemented her place in ODI history with a string of extraordinary accomplishments that highlight her consistency, skill, and longevity in the sport:
Key Milestones in ODI History:
- Highest Run-Scorer in Women’s ODIs:
Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in Women’s ODIs, amassing over 7,805 runs in 232 matches at an average of 50.68.She was the first woman to cross the 7,000-run mark in ODIs.
- Longest Career in Women’s ODIs:
Mithali’s career spanned over 22 years (1999–2022), making her the longest-serving player in women’s cricket history.
- Consistent Performances:
She holds the record for the most fifties in Women’s ODIs, with 64 half-centuries, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout her career.
- Youngest ODI Century Maker:
On her debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days, Mithali scored an unbeaten 114 against Ireland in 1999, making her one of the youngest cricketers to score a century in an ODI.
- Captaincy Records:
Mithali Raj captained India in 155 ODI matches, the most by any player in women’s cricket history.She led India to two ICC Women’s World Cup finals (2005 and 2017).
- Notable Partnerships:
Mithali was involved in some of the highest partnerships in ODIs, showcasing her ability to build innings and anchor partnerships.
- Icon of Longevity and Adaptability:
- She adapted her game over decades, excelling against different opponents, conditions, and eras of cricket.
Mithali Raj’s contributions to ODI cricket have set a benchmark for excellence and inspired generations of cricketers globally.
T20 International
Mithali Raj’s contributions to T20 International (T20I) cricket reflect her versatility and adaptability to the shortest format of the game. Here are her key milestones and achievements in T20I cricket:
T20I Career Overview
- Debut: August 5, 2006, against England.
- Last Match: March 9, 2019, against England.
- Matches Played: 89 T20Is.
- Runs Scored: 2,364 runs.
- Batting Average: 37.52.
- Strike Rate: 96.33.
- Half-Centuries: 17.
- Highest Score: 97* (not out).
Key Records and Achievements
- Leading Run-Scorer for India (at Retirement):
- Mithali was the highest run-scorer for India in Women’s T20Is at the time of her retirement, with over 2,300 runs.
- First Indian Woman to 2,000 T20I Runs:
- She was the first Indian woman to cross the 2,000-run mark in T20Is, highlighting her impact on the format.
- Most Fifties for India:
- Her 17 half-centuries were a testament to her ability to anchor innings in the fast-paced format.
- Captaincy in T20Is:
- Mithali captained India in 32 T20I matches, including at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2014.
- Role in India’s T20 World Cup Campaigns:
- She played a pivotal role in India’s campaigns during the early years of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, bringing experience and stability to the batting lineup.
- Longevity in the Shortest Format:
- Mithali managed to remain effective in T20 cricket despite being more naturally suited to the longer formats, showcasing her adaptability and determination.
- Consistent Top-Order Batter:
- Known for her ability to pace her innings, Mithali often served as the stabilizer, anchoring India’s batting while the younger power-hitters played around her.
Legacy in T20 Cricket
While Mithali Raj retired from T20Is in 2019 to focus on ODIs and Test cricket, her contributions laid the foundation for India’s growing prowess in women’s T20 cricket. Her experience and calm approach under pressure inspired a generation of players to embrace the format with confidence and flair.