Mithali Raj becomes second women cricketer to score 5,500 runs in ODIs

In the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2017, Mithali Raj became only the second women to cross 5,500 runs.

Mithali Raj averages over 50 in Tests as well as ODIs and 37.9 in T20Is. Mithali’s resounding technique, composed approach, and knack of achieving new highs is no news to the cricketing world. In the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017, Mithali became only the second women to cross 5,500 runs. Charlotte Edward, who tops the list, has 5,992 runs to her name. Mithali, for that matter, ages 34 and is still in the best of her fitness. Given the English cricketer has already called it a day from international cricket, Mithali will surpass her without a shadow of doubt. Live cricket updates: India Women vs South Africa Women

In hindsight, Mithali started off the event with a resolute half-century against Sri Lanka Women. Batting at No. 4, Mithali made sure she batted throughout and dropped the anchor in the death overs. Mithali took only 62 deliveries to score 70*, including 8 fours. In the next 3 matches, Mithali did not have to bat, for the top-order took care of the proceedings. However, batting only for the second time, Mithali brought up her 42nd fifty with a stroke down the ground, against South Africa Women.

In 2002, a 19-year-old Mithali scored a monumental 214 at Taunton, the second highest individual score in women’s Test cricket. Mithali had taken the India Women’s team to their first World Cup final in 2005. Mithali had led India Women in their first ever series victory in Tests, in England. Mithali then won the Asia Cup twice in a matter of a year’s time. Two years later, in 2008, she captained India Women in their fourth consecutive Asia Cup, reaching 3,000 ODI runs in the same year.  And the saga of her achievements continues…

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