Lucknow: Veteran batter Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman cricketer and only the second overall, to score 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket.
The 38-year-old achieved the feat during her 36-run knock versus South Africa Women’s in the ongoing third ODI in Lucknow. She joined England’s Charlotte Edwards in the elite club.
She is now 26 runs away from becoming the first batter to 7000 runs in women’s ODIs. England’s Charlotte Edwards, who ended her career with 5992 ODI runs, is a distant second on that list.
Mithali Raj has now 10,001 runs to his name in international cricket. She has scored 6,974 runs and 2,364 runs from 212 ODIs and 89 T20ls respectively.
Wished poured in for India’s ODI captain after she achieved the historic milestone.
“Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 10,000 runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... Keep going strong!” legendary Sachin Tendulkar tweeted.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also wished Mithali, calling her an ‘absolute legend’.
“Take a bow, @M_Raj03! What an achievement to be the first Indian woman cricketer to surpass the international 10,000-run mark. Absolute legend,” Shah wrote on his Twitter handle.
The Indian cricket board also congratulated the veteran cricketer.
“What a champion cricketer! First Indian woman batter to score 10K international runs. Take a bow, @M_Raj03,” the BCCI tweeted.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman said the seasoned player is an inspiration for budding players.
“Congratulations @M_Raj03 on becoming the first Indian Woman Cricketer to score 10K runs! You are not only a great ambassador and a legend of the game but you have inspired a generation of cricketers to take up our sport. Proud of you,” he tweeted.
The Rajasthan-born cricketer made her international debut against Ireland in an ODI back in June 1999 and has scored seven centuries and 54 half-centuries in the format. She averages 50.64 in ODI cricket.
Mithali announced her retirement from the T20 format of the game in September 2019. (UNI)
