Mithali Raj surpasses Charlotte Edwards to become leading run-scorer in women's international cricket

Legendary Indian cricketer Mithali Raj on Saturday became the leading run-getter in women’s international cricket. Mithali achieved the milestone during the third ODI between England Women and India Women. The veteran was attempting to help the visitors chase down a target of 220 when she earned this unique distinction in the 24th over. Mithali nonchalantly lifted a length ball over the bowler’s head for a boundary, to accumulate a tally of 10,277 runs. This includes 669 runs in Test cricket, 7,244 runs in the 50-over format and 2,364 runs in T20Is. The veteran remained unbeaten after reaching the landmark, which will certainly have an impact on her tally in ODI cricket.

English batswoman Charlotte Edwards is now placed on the second position in the list of players with the most career runs in women’s international cricket. Charlotte has scored 10,273 runs. New Zealand cricketer Suzie Bates is placed on the third spot with 7,849 runs. West Indies player Stafanie Taylor occupies the fourth position having accumulated 7,832 runs. Australian cricketer Meg Lanning rounds off the top-five list with 7,024 runs.

Mithali Raj’s interesting co-incidence with Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-getter in international cricket when it comes to male cricketers. Tendulkar retired with a tally of 34,357 runs. Interestingly, both he and Mithali made their international debuts aged 16 years 205 days.

The legendary batswoman further enjoys the unique distinction of having recorded the most 50 plus scores for India in ODI matches, that were held in England. Mithali has registered scores in excess of a half-century on 15 occasions. Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli have recorded the tally on 13 occasions apiece.

Mithali recently completed 22 years in international cricket. The legendary cricketer opened up about the weight of expectations experienced at the tender age of 16. Mithali shared the message she would give to herself while making her debut.

‘Expectations on debut at 16 was so heavy’

“Feels nice to get up to messages congratulating me on my career. If I have to give a message to a 16-year-old: I would say enjoy getting on to the ground, first time representing your country, which clearly at that time… the expectation was so heavy on my shoulders that I didn’t get the opportunity to understand the importance of wearing the blue jersey and playing for the country, that is something I would say to the 16-year-old Mithali,” she said in a press conference.

Mithali further expressed a desire to back youngster Shafali Verma’s natural, aggressive game.

“Well, that is how she plays, that is her strength, that is her style of batting, there will be times when she would give us a headstart. We would love that to be consistent, but at the same time she is a young kid, she will learn with experience, with more matches she would be able to understand how to build an innings, but since she is getting into playing the one-day format for the first time, I as a captain always encourage her to play the way she enjoys playing, she is comfortable playing,” she concluded.