Mithali Raj becomes first Indian batswoman with 10,000 international runs
India Women's ODI captain Mithali Raj has become the first Indian batswoman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. She achieved the historic milestone in the third ODI against South Africa Women. Notably, Mithali is already the leading run-scorer in women's ODIs by a fair margin. In the second ODI, she went on to register most appearances in international cricket. Here is more.
Second batswoman to achieve the 10,000-run mark
Overall, Mithali has become only the second batter in women's cricket to complete 10,000 international runs. She is presently the second-highest run-getter after England's Charlotte Edwards, who owns 10,273 international runs. Notably, Mithali is set to become the leading run-scorer in international cricket. Others on the list are Suzie Bates (7,849), Stafanie Taylor (7,816) and Meg Lanning (6,900).
Mithali made her international debut in 1999
Mithali made her international debut on June 26, 1999 in an ODI against Ireland Women. She remains the only woman cricketer to have completed 20 years in international cricket. As of now, she has scored 10,001 international runs (ODIs: 6,974, T20Is: 2,364, Tests: 663).
Leading run-scorer in women's ODIs
At present, Mithali is the leading run-scorer in women's ODIs. She now owns 6,974 runs from 212 matches at a phenomenal average of 50.53. She requires 26 more to become the first woman cricket with 7,000 ODI runs. It is interesting to note that Mithali has 4,118 more runs than the next-best Indian, Anjum Chopra (2,856), on the list of run-scorers (Women's ODIs).
A look at the summary so far
After losing the series opener to South Africa Women, the Indian women's cricket team bounced back in the second ODI. They leveled the five-match series 1-1 with a one-sided victory. The Mithali Raj-led side were off to a shaky start in the third ODI after SAW elected to bowl. However, despite losing successive wickets early on, they managed to post a fighting total (248/5).
