Mithali Raj, who turns 42, is a name synonymous with elegance, consistency, and leadership. Mithali has redefined the standards of women’s cricket, leaving behind a legacy that inspires generations.
From her debut as a prodigious teenager to her retirement as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Mithali’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Mithali’s career is a story of records and resilience. With 10,868 runs, she stands as the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, a feat that reflects her unmatched consistency across formats. In ODIs, she amassed an unparalleled 7,805 runs, cementing her place as the format’s most prolific batter.
Her ability to deliver under pressure was exceptional, highlighted by her staggering average of 109.05 in successful ODI run chases. She also holds the record for the most 50+ scores in women’s ODIs, with 71, including an unprecedented streak of seven consecutive fifties.
Mithali’s brilliance was evident from a young age. At just 16 years and 205 days, she became the youngest Indian to score an international century, a testament to her precocious talent. At 19, she delivered a historic knock of 214 in a Test match, making her the youngest double centurion in the format and securing the highest Test score by an Indian woman. Remarkably, she remains the only Indian cricketer to have scored both ODI and Test centuries before turning 20.
Her contributions weren’t limited to her batting prowess; Mithali was also a visionary leader. Under her captaincy, India achieved 89 ODI victories, the most by any women’s ODI captain. She led by example, scoring 5,319 runs as captain, with 47 fifty-plus scores, making her an inspirational figure on and off the field. Mithali’s leadership peaked when she guided India to two ODI World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017, a feat unmatched by any other Indian captain.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Mithali achieved milestones that underline her longevity and adaptability. She is the first woman to have played in six different World Cups and holds the record for the longest career in ODI cricket at 22 years and 274 days. Her consistency is further evident in her streak of 109 consecutive ODI matches, a testament to her fitness and dedication.
Mithali’s impact extended beyond national borders. She scored 2,047 runs in ICC tournaments, earning 8 Player of the Match awards on the biggest stage. Her tally of 20 Player of the Match awards in ODIs and 12 in T20Is reflects her unparalleled influence in every format. As the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Khel Ratna Award, Mithali’s contributions have been acknowledged at the highest level, marking her as a true trailblazer for Indian women’s cricket.
On her 42nd birthday, we celebrate not just her incredible achievements but also the legacy of a legend who has transformed women’s cricket forever. Happy Birthday, Mithali Raj!
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