INDIAN cricket captain Mithali Raj broke the record for runs in women’s One Day Internationals taking her total to 6,028 after hitting 69 in the World Cup match with Australia yesterday (July 12).
The 34-year-old – who made her debut back in 1999 and averages a superb 51.52 after 183 ODI appearances for her country – surpassed retired England legend Charlotte Edwards’s total of 5,992.
“I don’t think Mithali 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.”
The Indian team now has two current world record holders with pacer Jhulan Goswami being the leading wicket-taker in 50-over cricket.
Raj’s Indian male counterpart Virat Kohli also chipped in with his congratulations.
“A great moment for Indian Cricket, M_Raj03 becomes the highest run scorer in Women’s ODI Cricket History today. Champions Stuff! (with an applause icon),” tweeted Kohli.
Mithali first shot into prominence when she scored 214 – still the highest score by an Indian in women’s Test match against England at Taunton back in 2002.
(AFP, PTI)
