Mithali Raj completes 20 years in International Cricket, makes history

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. 

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)