Mithali Raj Becomes The Highest Run-Scorer in Women’s ODI Cricket, First to reach 6000 Runs

Indian captain Mithali Raj has become the highest run-scorer in Women’s One-Day Internationals (ODIs) during her side’s match against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. At the start of her innings, Mithali needed 34 runs to go past Charlotte Edwards’ tally of 5992.

The right-hander reached the milestone with single and then few balls later she notched her 6000th ODI run with a six, thus becoming the first batter in Women’s cricket to reach the landmark.

Mithali came into the match after being dismissed for a duck against South Africa. Playing in her 183rd ODI, Mithali averages well above 50. She has five centuries and 49 fifties, including the one against Australia, to go against her name. Her record breaking innings came to an end when she was caught & bowled by Kristen Beams on an individual score of 69.

Mithali made her ODI debut in 1999 against Ireland and scored unbeaten 114 in her maiden appearance for India. The Indian captain has been good form in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. She has scored three half-centuries in six matches so far.

Amongst the current crop of Women’s cricketers, Mithali is the only one in top five on the most run-scorers list. Edwards, who retired last year, now drops to second while former Australian women’s cricketer Belinda Clark is at third (4844 runs). Former captain Anjum Chopra is the only Indian, apart from Mithali, in top 20. She has 2856 runs from 127 matches.

Meanwhile, India are placed third on the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 points table and look set for a place in semifinals.