Beth Mooney has etched her name in the history books by completing 2,500 ODI runs, becoming the 10th Australian cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat. The 31-year-old wicket-keeper batter from Victoria reached the milestone during the second ODI of the Women’s Ashes series on January 14, 2025, at Junction Oval, Melbourne.
Mooney made her ODI debut on February 20, 2016, against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, where she scored a maiden half-century (53 off 77 balls). Opening alongside Nicole Bolton, she became the 7th Australian to achieve this feat on debut. Her first century (100 off 123 balls) came a year later, on February 26, 2017, in another match against New Zealand at Eden Park Number 2, Auckland. Despite her brilliant performance, the knock ended in a losing cause as New Zealand secured victory with five wickets and five balls to spare.
On July 12, 2017, Mooney crossed the 500-run mark during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match against India at County Ground, Bristol, with a composed 45 off 68 balls. She reached 1,000 ODI runs on October 5, 2019, scoring a brilliant half-century (66 off 68 balls) at number five against Sri Lanka at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane.
By March 13, 2022, Mooney surpassed 1,500 ODI runs during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, where she contributed a vital 30 off 44 balls at number five. Her 2,000th ODI run came on July 12, 2023, in the first ODI of the 7th edition of the Women’s Ashes at County Ground, Bristol. She scored an unbeaten 81* off 99 balls at number four in a nail-biting contest that England won by two wickets.
Australia is currently hosting the 8th edition of the Women’s Ashes. In the first ODI of the series, skipper Alyssa Healy led the home side to victory by four wickets, with Mooney contributing a quick-fire 28 off 28 balls. On January 14, 2025, during the second ODI of the series, Mooney reached the 2,500-run mark on her 31st birthday. She achieved the milestone on the fourth ball of the 22nd over bowled by Sophie Ecclestone. However, her innings (12 off 17 balls) ended shortly afterward, as she was trapped LBW by Ecclestone in the 24th over. Australia was eventually bowled out for 180, courtesy of England’s remarkable comeback.
Beth Mooney’s ODI record is a testament to her consistency and class. In 74 innings, she has amassed 2,503 runs at a strike rate of 86.07 and an average of 47.22. Her tally includes 17 half-centuries and three centuries. Her career-best performance came on January 21, 2023, in the third ODI against Pakistan at North Sydney Oval, where she scored a magnificent 133 off 105 balls as an opener. Her efforts earned her the Player of the Match award for her match-winning knock.
Beth Mooney’s remarkable journey continues to inspire, solidifying her status as one of Australia’s greatest ODI batters.
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