India captain Mithali Raj broke the record for most runs in women’s ODIs after taking her tally to 6,028 during her knock of 69 in the World Cup match against Australia on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old – who made her debut back in 1999 and averages 51.52 after 183 ODI appearances for her country – surpassed retired England legend Charlotte Edwards’s total of 5,992.
“I don’t think Mitahli Raj gets the credit she deserves at times,” said Edwards.
“She is a quality player. The big hitters get the plaudits, but to average over 50 in ODI cricket is an outstanding achievement.”
A great moment for Indian Cricket, @M_Raj03 becomes the highest run scorer in Women's ODI Cricket History today. Champion Stuff! 👌👏
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 12, 2017
But the fact remains Raj is one of the greatest ever women’s cricketer to have represented India.
Here is a look at the highlights of Raj’s ODI career.
Debut: Against Ireland at Milton Keynes on June 26, 1999. She made an unbeaten 114 in that game, which remains her highest score in ODIs.
Record: For most half-centuries in women’s ODIs – 49.
2004: Mithali became the youngest captain of the Indian women’s team. She has led the team in 106 ODIs, averaging 57.12 and scoring three out of her five centuries.
Captained: The team to three Asia Cup victories between 2005 and 2008 and also led India to a runners-up finish at the 2005 World Cup.
2006: Was Raj’s best year, when she scored 684 runs in 23 matches at an average of 45.60 with one century and five fifties.
Seven: Consecutive scores of fifty or more in 2017, a record in women’s ODIs.
Eight: Wickets in her ODI career as a leg-spinner, with 3-4 against England in 2002 her best.
