Updated October 9th, 2019 at 20:23 IST
Mithali Raj completes 20 years in International Cricket, makes history
Mithali Raj became the first female player to last more than 20 years in international cricket. She completed 20 years and 105 days in the 50-over format
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Indian captain Mithali Raj on Wednesday became the first woman player to cross the 20 years in international Cricket mark. She led India to a convincing eight-wicket win over the South Africa Women in the first ODI of the three-match series while achieving the feat. Raj, who made her ODI debut against Ireland on June 26, 1999, completed 20 years and 105 days in the 50-over format. The right-handed batswoman has played 204 ODIs till now, the most in the women's game, followed by England's Charlotte Edwards (191), Jhulan Goswami (178), Alex Blackwell (144) of Australia.
Now, only Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Javed Miandad have had longer careers in international cricket than Raj. So far, she has played 204 ODI matches and has smashed 6731 runs with an astonishing average of 51.38.
Mithali Raj retired from T20 cricket last month and has served as the captain during India Women’s first-ever T20I played in Derby back in 2006. Following her win in that game against England Women, Mithali played another 88 games in which she scored 2364 runs - the most by an Indian woman in T20Is.
READ: Indian coaches of B’desh women cricket team won't travel to Pak: BCB
READ: Mithali Raj announces retirement from T20 Internationals
Netizens React
Netizens hailed the journey of the ace cricketer and penned their heartiest congratulations for her achievements.
Congratulations Mithali Raj for completing 20+ years in international cricket.
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang)
The first woman to achieve this incredible feat in international cricket.
A role model and an inspiration for many people around the globe.
Hope she wins a World Cup. Deserves it @M_Raj03
Congratulations @M_Raj03 for successfully completion of 20 years in International Cricket, the only one to do so in the World of Women Cricket..
— Anil Chavan 🇮🇳 (@ADChavan89)
You are an inspiration for many..!!!#BCCI #MithaliRaj #20SaalRaj 👍👌
Jai Hind 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/WKRyJxqu3i
Congratulations @M_Raj03 for becoming the 1st woman cricketer in history to have an ODI career lasting over 20 years! Your tenacity, hardwork and dedication are unmatchable and I wish you all the best for your future ahead!#MithaliRaj #Cricket pic.twitter.com/0zlcAJBRTh
— Nitish Kalia (@NitishKaliaLive)
READ: Cheteshwar Pujara has a heartwarming message for Mithali Raj
READ: Mithali Raj: 'Shafali Verma can be the future player for India'
(With Inputs from ANI)
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Published October 9th, 2019 at 18:46 IST