Mithali Raj scored her seventh consecutive 50+ ODI score in the opening game of the ICC Women’s World Cup against England.
The Indian captain created a new record in women’s ODIs, bettering the efforts of Lindsay Reeler, Charlotte Edwards, and Ellyse Perry – all of whom had notched up six successive 50+ scores in the 50-over format at the international level.
On Saturday, Raj came into bat after openers Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut had got India off to a promising start – putting together an 144-run first-wicket partnership.
Raj followed in the footsteps of Mandhana and Raut as the India skipper went on to score the third half-century of the innings. In the end, Raj managed to score 71 from 73 deliveries in a superb knock that included eight fours.
Raj’s run of 50+ scores began against Sri Lanka earlier this year when she scored an unbeaten 70. In the five ODI innings her scores were 64 (vs South Africa), 73* (vs Bangladesh), 51* (vs South Africa), 54 (vs South Africa), and 62* (vs South Africa).
The right-handed batter also holds the record for most half-centuries (47) in women’s ODIs, getting past Edwards who had scored 46 half-centuries during her ODI career for England.
Mithali Raj 70*, 64, 73*, 51*, 54, 62* & 50* - now 1st woman to make 7 consecutive 50+ in Women's ODI history!#ENGWvINDW#WWC17#EngvInd
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 24, 2017
