Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj has completed an inspiring feat of the span of her cricketing career which runs longer than 22 years. She also is back in the top 5 of the ICC ODI rankings following her half-century in the opening game of the three-match series against England.
What is more admirable about the achievement is that no one comes close to her in terms of the duration of her career. When compared to men’s cricket, only Sachin Tendulkar was able to cross the 22-year mark.
India women’s cricket team is currently taking part in a triple-header ODI and T20 series against England. England won the first ODI by eight wickets, but there were some positives for the Indian team to take away. Mithali’s exceptional performance is one of them.
Mithali Raj’s career:
First was Mithali Raj reaching an impressive milestone of 22 years in her cricket career. While the second, which went a bit under the sheets was Shafali Verma’s debut in the match. She is now the youngest woman ever to play an ODI at the age of 17 years.
Mithali Raj, who hails from Hyderabad, made her debut in international cricket on 26 June 1999. Not many people can enter Mithali’s league. But there is a certain Sachin Tendulkar who can. Mithali Raj has played 215 matches in an ODI career spanning 22 years and 91 days. She also holds the world record for the most runs in women’s ODI cricket.
Mithali who returned to the top five for the first time since October 2019, played a 72-run innings off 108 balls in the first ODI which India lost by 8 wickets. Her knock rescued the visitors after a terrible start, getting reduced to 27 for 2 inside the first ten overs. The Indian eves set England a target of 202 which wasn’t challenging enough for the hosts. She has gained three slots to grab fifth place with 725 rating points. Shafali Verma has entered the ODI rankings in 120th place.
Presently the Indian Women Cricket team is playing ODIs against England, the first match was won by the hosts by 8 wickets in Bristol. The team has now moved to Taunton for the 2nd ODIs against England.
