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India women’s skipper Mithali Raj reached another milestone on Tuesday during her 61-run innings against Australia at Harrup Park, Mackay. During the first ODI of the three-ODI series against Australia, Mithali completed 20,000 career runs.
The Indian skipper is already the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs. In her last four ODI appearances, the 38-year-old has scored 75*, 59, and 72 against England, as and 79* against South Africa.
The right-hand batter also owns the world record for the most consecutive ODI half-centuries (7), which she set in 2017. She is also India’s highest run-scorer in T20I cricket.
Raj scored 61 runs off 107 balls and helped the visitors post 225 for 8 in 50 overs. Her innings featured three boundaries. However, her strike rate remains a concern, especially on Australian pitches where conditions favour the batters.
The only two other Indian batters who showed promise were Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh. Batting at No.3, Bhatia failed to convert a good start as she got out after scoring 35 from 51 deliveries. She shared a crucial 77-run partnership for the third wicket with the skipper. Ghosh played her role well helping India finish on a high with her 29-ball 32 including three fours and one six. Jhulan Goswami also contributed with a few lusty blows.
Indian bowling looked lackluster once the new ball stopped swinging. Australian openers Rachel Haynes and Alyssa Healy put up a 126-run opening stand to end India’s hopes of making a comeback. Poonam Yadav was the sole wicket-taker ending the opening partnership by taking Healy’s wicket. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 77 runs from 77 deliveries. Haynes and skipper Meg Lanning remained unbeaten on 93 as the hosts chased down the target with nine overs to spare.
India missed the service of Harmanpreet Kaur who injured her thumb during practice session. It is not yet clear whether she will be fit for the next ODI to be played on September 24.
