Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs

Indian ODI captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. The iconic batswoman achieved the feat in the third ODI against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.

Mithali, who was playing her 212th WODI for India, scored 36 runs while touching the landmark of scoring a whopping 10,000 runs in international cricket across formats. With the milestone, Mithali became the second woman to reach 10,000 runs afterformer England captain Charlotte Edwards. The former England skipper remains the leading run-scorerin international cricket with 10,273 runs while Mithali is second on the list with 10,001 runs. Suzie Bates is far-third with 7,849 runs.

Most international runs in women's cricket

Player

Matches

Runs

50s/100s

Charlotte Edwards

309

10273

67/13

Mithali Raj

311

10001

75/8

Suzie Bates

247

7849

48/11

Stafanie Taylor

234

7816

57/5

Meg Lanning

194

6900

29/16

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Before the third ODI against South Africa, Mithali was 35 runs short of the milestone and was dismissed soon after getting to the feat. In 10 Tests, Mithali has scored 663 runs in 10 Tests while accumulating2,364 runs in 89 T20Is. The veteran Indian batswoman remains the leading scorer in WODI cricket with as many as 6,974 runs in her kitty.

Prior to the third ODI, SmritiMandhanahad said: "Getting to 10,000 runs first or second is a huge thing. She is the first Indian to do that so I think it is something that shows how consistent she has been throughout her career. We have looked up to her, definitely a very proud feeling for all of us in the team."

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Wishes and tributes poured in for Mithali on social media platforms just after she reached the milestone. From the likes ofSachinTendulkar to Wasim Jaffer, Mithali’sachievementwas lauded by many.

"Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 10,000 runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... Keep going strong!" Tendulkar tweeted. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer also joined Tendulkar to wish Mithali on her achievement.

Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 1️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in International Cricket.

Terrific achievement... 👏🏻
Keep going strong! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/1D2ybiVaUt — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 12, 2021

Taking to Twitter, Jaffer wrote, "Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03. Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game."

Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03 Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game🙌 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/EnWgF5HniM — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 12, 2021

Here's how others wished Mithali Raj after she completed 10,000 international runs:

It has been a long journey this for Mithali. Enroute a few milestones have been reached and crossed. Congrats @M_Raj03 for yet another accomplishment. 10,000 international runs and counting... @BCCIWomen @BCCI pic.twitter.com/BpMoem9rUF — Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) March 12, 2021

We are glad we live in an era that has witnessed Mithali Raj truly rule the 🏏 world! 😍

Here's to the first Indian woman, and second in the world, to score 10,000 international runs! 👏👏👏#MithaliRaj #INDWvSAW #IndiaTaiyarHai pic.twitter.com/ilPDsjVxG8 — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 12, 2021

Congratulations, Mithali Raj 👏

A modern-day legend. pic.twitter.com/XyI89zWL47 — ICC (@ICC) March 12, 2021

Modern-day Woman Thala https://t.co/HTuh3HQ7Id — S & S (@FakeBcciWarrior) March 12, 2021

The STAR of INDIAN CRICKET.

ABSOLUTE LEGEND @M_Raj03 mam
What an inspiration. https://t.co/qJqO0QHCfs — Avinash 🇮🇳 (@awakenedavi) March 12, 2021

An icon of the game.
Just the second batswoman, and the first 🇮🇳 batswoman to cross the 10k run mark in the history of the game.
Kudos to @M_Raj03 on this great achievement.👏
Wishing her even more success in the future.👍#MithaliRaj #INDvSA https://t.co/kq9iHsjLQa — Tejas (@jha_tejas26) March 12, 2021

Inspired the all girl ma'am. Congratulations 👏💐 https://t.co/eysXSsbmRK — Amit Anand (@Amitbunty1998) March 12, 2021

Mithali Raj made her debut In 1999, 4 different decades in highest level and completed 10,000 runs in 2021 - Captain, leader, Legend, Mithali. What a absolute champion in Women's cricket. pic.twitter.com/or3qP7Rcb3 — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 12, 2021