Bristol, July 12: Captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, Mithali Raj created a world record Wednesday by becoming the first player to cross 6,000 runs in the history of women’s ODI during the World Cup match against Australia here.
The Indian team now have two current world record holders with pacer Jhulan Goswami being the leading wicket-taker in 50-over cricket.
Against Australia, Mithali surpassed former England captain Charlotte Edwards’s 5992 runs when she reached 34, thereby becoming the highest scorer in ODIs. The world record run came when she pushed an Ellyse Perry ball towards cover for a single.
The 6,000-run milestone was achieved with a huge six off leg-break bowler Kirsten Beams as she received a standing ovation from the Indian bench. She was finally out for a sedate 69 off 114 balls Mithali now has 6028 runs from 183 games.
Into her 15th year in international cricket, Mithali has been an inspiration for a generation of women cricketers, who have taken up the game solely inspired by her heady achievements.
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.
ODI stats
Matches: 183
Runs: 6028
Highest: 114*
Average: 51.67
100s: 5
50s: 48