Mithali Raj scripts history once again: Details here
Indian cricket team batswoman Mithali Raj is in a league of her own. The veteran cricketer's tryst with records continued. On Friday, Mithali became the first woman cricketer to play 200 career ODI matches. She achieved the milestone after leading India against New Zealand in the third and final ODI of the series. Indian eves lost the final match but won the series 2-1.
Mithali made her debut way back in 1999
Mithali had earlier become the most-capped women's cricketer in the history of the game, when she featured in her 192nd ODI. She went past the record of 191 appearances held by Charlotte Edwards. The star player made her ODI debut back in 1999 against Ireland. Her debut match saw her notch a maiden ton as well. She had bagged 114* in India's 161-run victory.
Mithali has been a pillar of Indian team
The Indian women's cricket team has played a total of 263 ODIs and Mithali has featured in 200 of them. Since her debut in 1999, the side has played 213 ODIs. She has been serving Indian cricket team for 19 years and 219 days. This is the fourth longest in the history including both men's and women's cricket.
A look at Mithali's career statsistics
In 200 ODI matches, Mithali has scored a total of 6,622 runs at an average of 51.33. She has notched seven hundreds and 52 fifties and is the highest overall run-scorer in the format. Mithali also has the distinction of taking 50 catches in ODI cricket. She has also featured in 85 T20Is, besides scoring 2,283 runs with 17 fifties to her name.
Indian eves lose dead-rubber on Mithali's special day
Indian eves could not overcome a disciplined New Zealand team on Friday as they lost the dead-rubber after winning the first two ODIs. Batting first, India could manage 149/10. Besides Deepti Sharma (52), none of the other batswomen managed to slam a decent knock. Mithali was dismissed for nine. In reply, New Zealand sealed the match by eight wickets. Amy Satterthwaite scored 66* runs.
