Mithali breaks ODI world record, enters Club 6,000

Mithali Raj’s long journey in international cricket has given Indians a lot to celebrate — from a dream debut in 1999, when she scored a stylish century, to Wednesday when she became the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs during the ICC Women’s World Cup match against Australia in Bristol.

The India skipper, who also became the first woman cricketer to go past 6,000 runs with a knock of 69, has had a penchant for records right through her career. Age seems to have made that knack more astute.

The 34-year-old created a world record of seven consecutive fifties in ODIs at the start of the World Cup, while her form and the way the team is playing at the moment hint at history in the making — a la 1983 in England.

Mithali went past England’s Charlotte Edwards’ 5,992 runs when she reached 34. She continued her onslaught and entered the 6,000-run club in style — launching leg-spinner Kristen Beams over the long on. Mithali scored her 49th halfcentury and was eventually dismissed at 69. Her partnership with Punam Raut, who scored her first century in the tournament, helped India score 226/7.

The skipper, however, was disappointed that her knock was not in a winning cause. Australia beat India by eight wickets, chasing down the India’s 226/7 in 45.1 overs. Mithali reiterated that the team is taking it one match at a time — the philosophy being a reflection of her career.

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