Mithali Raj is leading run-scorer in ODIs. (Source: AP)
Mithali Raj scripted history on Wednesday when she became the first player to score 6,000 runs in one-day internationals against Australia in Bristol. Before the start of the match, Raj needed only 34 runs to overtake former England skipper Charlotte Edwards on the all-time highest run-scorer’s list in women’s ODIs.
Australia won the toss and decided to field in Bristol. India lost opener Smriti Mandhana early which meant Raj came to crease with just 41 more runs needed to reach 6,000. It looked like the record won’t be broken on Wednesday when she was given leg-before wicket to Jonassen for 11 but the Indian skipper reviewed it and the decision was overturned. In the 29th over, Raj took a single to bring up the 5993rd run which broke the record.
The 6,000th run was brought up in far more emphatic fashion when she launched a big six off leg-spinner Kristen Beams. She also brought up her half-century, 49th in ODIs, from 96 balls.
In 164 innings so far in her ODI career, which began in 1999, Raj has scored more 6,000 runs. She has five centuries to her name in ODIs while Edwards has nine. Earlier in the tournament, Mithali had scored a record seven consecutive half-centuries. India now have both the highest run-scorer and highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs as Jhulan Goswami had broken Australian Cathryn Fitzpatrickβs record in May this year.
Congratulations, @M_Raj03! Becoming the highest run scorer in Women’s ODIs is a huge achievement. Also, superb knock today!
β sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 12 July 2017
NEW WORLD RECORD!
Congratulations to #MithaliRaj on breaking Charlotte Edwards’ record for most runs in Women’s ODIs #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/AqHGZrDt3W
β ICC (@ICC) 12 July 2017
The moment @M_Raj03 brought up 6000 ODI runs! πππ#WWC17 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8s2GELQw0v
β Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) 12 July 2017
Wonderful to hear that @M_Raj03 has become the all-time highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs. Congratulations!
β Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 12 July 2017
Congratulations Mithali Raj for becoming the leading run-getter in ODIs. We are proud of you. @M_Raj03 @BCCIWomen
β Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) 12 July 2017
Congrats @M_Raj03 on becoming the first woman to 6000 runs and the highest ODI run scorer. #runsforfun #WWC17
β Isa Guha (@isaguha) 12 July 2017
Great achievement for @M_Raj03 becoming the 1st female player to 6000 runs & highest ever run scorer. @BCCIWomen holding both records #WWC17
β Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) 12 July 2017
Mithali Raj becomes the highest run scorer in Women’s ODI Cricket History today. Super achievement ! @BCCI@M_Raj03
β ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) 12 July 2017
India are still looking for a spot in the World Cup semi-final.
