The first ODI between India and Australia today saw many records being made. One such exemplary record was India’s legendary skipper completing her 20,000th career run!
Raj played a crucial knock of 61 off 107 deliveries to steady the Indian ship, which was also her fifth consecutive ODI half-century. Mithali Raj came in to bat at number.4 after 2 quick wickets fell for India and tried to anchor the innings and build a partnership with debutant Yastika Bhatia. She, along with Yastika Bhatia stitched a crucial 70+ Runs partnership before Yastika Bhatia got out scoring 35 Runs.
Even though Raj piled up 60 runs for her team, India were beaten by 9 wickets after Australia’s Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes scored half-centuries and Indian bowlers couldn’t stop their run-flow.
MILESTONE ALERT🎖
Indian legend Mithali Raj completes 20,000 career runs!#MithaliRaj #AUSvIND @M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/qOlhq3rLf4
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 21, 2021
In her international career, she has scored seven centuries and fifty-nine half-centuries so far.
A few months back, Raj had also become the second international cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 22 years in international cricket. She had announced her retirement from T20 cricket in 2019.
She made her debut for India long back in 1999 and has been serving the game ever since.
2021 has been a promising year for Mithali Raj. In the last 8 matches that she has played this year, she has 6 half-centuries.
Run Machine Raj has been in great form in ODIs this year 🇮🇳🙌
Look at those runs: #AUSvIND #MithaliRaj pic.twitter.com/A1aaiQPIWE
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 21, 2021
Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in the 3 match ODI series and will be facing off India in the 2nd ODI on 24th September 2021 at Harrup Park in Mackay.
Mithali Raj has so far scored 669* runs in tests, 7367* runs in ODIs, and 2364* runs in T20Is for India. She has been the inspiration of thousands of budding female cricketers. Raj has achieved what very few cricketers can dream of. She has been the pillar of this Indian side in every realm of the game. The longevity of her career is a statement of her love and passion for the game and her country. She has been in sublime form in ODIs off late, hopefully, she can help her team convert the next few games and bring more glory to the nation.
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