Probably the biggest star of Women's cricket, India's Mithali Raj, today announces retirement from all forms of international cricket. Her 23-year stellar career comes to an end as she feels giving space to young talent in the Indian Women's cricket team.
Although she did not give any clear indication about her future plans, but from her statements, it can be analyzed that Mithali will now be seen in the coaching panel, contributing to the well-being of Women's cricket in the national team, and the teams across the world.
Her finished career has seen her setting and breaking multiple records, both; as a captain and as the batter. Let's have an eye on some of them.
Highest individual run-getter in Women's international cricket:
Mithali Raj, one of the two women's cricketers to surpass the run-mark of 10,000, is the highest individual run-getter in women's international cricket. In July 2021, she surpassed England's CM Edwards, who closed her international career on 10,273 runs. Whereas, Raj has off her boots on 10,868 international runs.
Leading ODI run-getter in Women's cricket:
As far as the One-Day Internationals are concerned, no woman cricketer has surpassed 7805 runs. Once again, England's Edwards is the second in the lane with 5993 ODI runs whereas, Raj's 7805 ODI runs remain the highest, with no hopes of any cricketer breaking it soon.
Second-youngest centurion:
Mithali slammed an ODI century on her international debut back in 1999 when she was only 16-years and 205-days old. The feat was surpassed 22 years later in 2021, when Ireland's Amy Hunter broke the record on her 16th birthday.
Most ODIs:
Raj is the only second cricketer to play more than 200 ODIs. The second is her long-time mate Jhulan Goswami. Notably, the former Indian skipper has played 232 ODIs, most by any Women cricketer in the world, and in India.
Leading the country in most World Cup matches:
She broke Belinda Clark's record of leading one's country in the most matches in ICC Women's Cricket World Cups during the 2022 edition. Mithali skippered India in 28 matches.
Longest career:
As far as the tenure of her career is concerned, she has served her homeland for more than 23 years, which marks the longest playing career by any women cricketer.
Most wins as the captain:
The 39-year old has won 89 out of 155 matches as the captain and the number is highest by any player in women's ODIs. Also, no woman skipper has led her team 1n 155 or more ODIs.
Most fifty and plus scores:
She has scored fifty-plus scores 71 times in ODIs whereas, to her name, she has 17 fifty-plus scores in T20Is. Her combined tally of 88 fifty-plus scores is the most by any cricketer in women's international cricket.
Record in Asia Cup:
Raj has led India to four consecutive Asia Cup titles – 2005-06, 2006-07, 2008, when they beat Sri Lanka in the finals each time, and in 2012, when they defeated Pakistan.
