India captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first woman cricketer to play 200 ODIs, adding another achievement to her illustrious career.
The 36-year-old is also the highest run-getter in ODIs with 6622 runs at an average of 51.33, including seven hundreds.
Mithali could not make a big impact in her 200th game, scoring nine off 28 balls as India were bowled out for 149 in the third and final ODI against New Zealand here.
She had hit an unbeaten 63 in the second ODI, helping India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Mithali made her ODI debut way back in 1999 and has featured in 200 games out of the 263 ODIs India have played.
She has also played 10 Tests and 85 T20s.
200 is just a number, says Mithali Raj
Back in 1999, 16-year-old schoolgirl Mithali Raj was simply happy wearing the India colours for the first time and not much has changed even after two decades as the coveted milestone of 200 ODIs “is just a number” for the 36-year-old legend.
Mithali made her ODI debut against England in Milton Keynes in January 1999 and on Friday became the first woman to complete 200 matches in the 50-over format. Not to forget, she is the top run-getter in the world with 6,622 runs.
“200 is just a number for me, but it feels nice to have come so far,” the India ODI captain said after completing a maiden 2-1 series win on New Zealand soil.
“I have seen different stages of (transformation in) women’s cricket across the globe since I made by debut way back in 1999 under the IWCC (International Women’s Cricket Council). Coming under the ICC, we could see the difference. I am just happy to have represented the country for so long,” Mithali said.
“When I started, I didn’t think I would come so far. Initially, my aim was to just wear the India colours, be one of the core members of the team but never did I think that I would play for so long,” said Mithali.
Mithali has had her share of ups and downs.
According to Mithali, her only endeavour has been to suit her game as per the team’s needs.
“I have seen joys, highs and lows,” she said, expressing her gratitude to everyone “who has made a difference” in her career.
