Women's cricket: Mithali Raj announces retirement from T20Is
Veteran Indian women's cricketer Mithali Raj has announced her retirement from T20Is. The star batswoman led India in 32 T20Is including the three Women's WT20 World Cups in 2012 (Sri Lanka), 2014 (Bangladesh) and 2016 (India). Mithali was also the captain of the side's first-ever T20I played in Derby back in 2006. Here's all about her career.
Mithali scored 2,364 runs in T20Is
Notably, in 89 T20Is, Mithali amassed 2,364 runs at an average of 37.52. Her best score was 97*. Her last T20I was against England women on March 9, 2019.
Mithali wants to focus on the 2021 ODI World Cup
"After representing India in T20Is since 2006, I wish to retire from T20Is to focus my energies on readying myself for the 2021 World Cup," Mithali said. "It remains my dream to win a World Cup for my country and I want to give it my best. I thank the BCCI for their continuous support and wish the Indian T20 team good luck."
Mithali is the sixth highest run-scorer in T20Is
Mithali has been a stalwart for the Indian women's cricket team for more than a decade. The veteran showed her prowess in T20Is with some superb displays for the side. She is the sixth highest run-scorer in T20Is. She also amassed 17 fifties. This feat is the third best tally after Suzie Bates and Stafanie Taylor (21 fifties each).
