Hyderabadi Mithali Raj Creates World History, Becomes First Woman Cricketer To Cross 6000 Runs

Indian captain Mithali Raj created a world record by becoming the first player to cross 6000 runs in the history of women's ODI during the ICC World Cup match against Australia on Wednesday night.

The Indian team now have two current world record holders with pacer Jhulan Goswami being the leading wicket-taker in 50-over cricket.

Against Australia, Mithali surpassed former England captain Charlotte Edwards's 5992 runs when she reached 34, thereby becoming the highest scorer in ODIs. The world record run came when she pushed an Ellyse Perry ball towards cover boundary for a single. The 6000-run milestone was achieved with a huge six off leg-break bowler Kirsten Beams as she received a standing ovation from the Indian bench.

Mithali now has 6028 runs from 183 games. Set to turn 35, Mithali achieved the landmark in her 183rd game. She is by far the greatest ever woman cricketer to have emerged from India. Into her 15th year in international cricket, Mithali has been an inspiration for a generation of women cricketers, who have taken up the game solely inspired by her heady achievements.

The Hyderabad girl and Goswami are the only two surviving players in the squad of 15, who have made their debut before the 2003 World Cup.

Accolades Pour In

Former captain Diana Edulji congratulated current India skipper Mithali Raj on becoming the highest run-getter in women's ODI cricket, saying she is among the best the country has ever produced. Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli joined the chorus of top Indian cricketers in congratulating Mithali Raj on becoming the highest run-getter in the history of women's ODIs.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday congratulated Indian women's cricket team captain Mithali Raj for becoming the highest run-scorer in the One-Day International (ODI) format. KCR said it was a proud moment for the country as Mithali created a record as the highest run-getter and Bengal pace ace Jhulan Goswami became the highest wicket taker.