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India skipper Mithali Raj scored a brilliant half-century against Australia on March 19 (Saturday) at Eden Park, in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup and with this fifty she equaled a terrific record in the Women’s World Cup.
Mithali's record
Mithali played a terrific innings of 68 runs off 96 balls against Australia. Her 77-ball half-century was her first fifty in this year’s Women’s World Cup and with it Mithali equalled the record for most half-century scores (or more) by a batter in Women's World Cup, standing along with former New Zealand cricketer Debbie Hockley. Mithali overcame former England cricketer Charlotte Edwards. The Indian skipper’s innings against Australia was comprised of 4 boundaries and 1 six.
Apart from this, the Indian skipper scored her eighth such score as a captain in the World Cup and this remains to be the most in the history of the Women’s World Cup. New Zealand's Suzie Bates is at second position with six fifty-plus scores.
In the match, Australia skipper Meg Lanning won the toss and decided to bowl first. The decision, initially seemed to pay off as the Indian team lost their two opening batters- Smriti Mandhana (10 runs off 11 balls) and Shafali Varma (12 runs off 16 deliveries) within the first 6 overs. Australia’s right-arm fast bowler Darcie Brown seemed to be in superb form as she dismissed both the opening Indian batters to earn a good start for her side.
Later, skipper Mithali and Yastika Bhatia (59 runs off 83 balls) notched a solid partnership of 130 runs off 154 balls to avert the early danger.
Later, Harmanpreet Kaur scored a brilliant half-century (57 runs off 47 balls) to help her side in reaching a total of 277 for 7 in 50 overs. Harmanpreet's innings was comprised of 6 boundaries.
Jhulan's record
On the other hand, veteran Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami achieved a huge milestone as she became just the second player after Mithali to make 200 appearances in women's ODIs. Jhulan, previously became the first player to claim 250 wickets in women's ODIs. Indian skipper Mithali played her 230th ODI match against Australia on March 19.
Australia are currently at the top spot in the World Cup standings as they won their all four matches in the ongoing World Cup. Indian team, on the other hand, are at fourth position in the standings as they have bagged four points playing four matches.
