Mithali Raj is arguably the greatest woman cricketer India has ever produced. In an international career spanning over two decades, Mithali has scored more than 10,000 runs in the ODIs as well as Twenty20Is combined. She has led India in the several major tournaments as well as holds the record for the maximum runs scored in a women’s international cricket. As per Women’s cricket news today in Hindi, here is a look at the 10 best innings played by Mithali Raj in international cricket:
114* vs England, 2017 World Cup
Mithali Raj’s unbeaten 114 against England in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup was a masterclass in batting under pressure. This innings came in the second semi-final of the tournament, with India chasing 229 runs to win and book their place in the final.
India got off to a shaky start, losing both openers cheaply with just 35 runs on the board. When Mithali walked in to bat, the situation was dire. India still needed 194 more runs to win with 8 wickets in hand. To make matters worse, the English bowlers were getting swing and seam movement under overcast conditions.
103* vs Sri Lanka, 2005 World Cup
This was Mithali’s first ODI century and helped India reach the final of the 2005 World Cup. Batting first, India were in trouble at 93/3 when Mithali came out to bat. She played a brilliant innings, scoring an unbeaten 103 runs off just 144 balls. Thanks to her century, India posted a total of 215/6. Sri Lanka could only manage 123/5 in response as India won by 52 runs on D/L method. Mithali got a player of a game title.
97 vs Pakistan, 2005 World Cup
This innings came in the league stage encounter against Pakistan. Batting first, India were struggling at 87/4 when Mithali came in to bat. She stabilized the Indian innings and scored 97 valuable runs off just 129 balls. Her innings helped India recover and post a total of 195/6. Pakistan were bowled out for 163 in response, with India winning by 32 runs. Mithali’s knock under pressure was crucial in this must-win game for India.
106* vs Pakistan, 2017 World Cup
This was another gem from Mithali in the 2017 World Cup, again coming against arch-rivals Pakistan. India batted first and were in early trouble at 32/2. Mithali scored a sublime unbeaten 106 off just 109 balls, helping India recover and post a total of 169/9. Her brilliant century proved to be the difference as Pakistan could only manage 74/5 in response. India won by 95 runs defending a low total thanks to Mithali’s brilliant effort.
123 vs Sri Lanka, 2016 World T20
Mithali played one of the best T20I knocks by an Indian woman cricketer in this game. Batting first, India were struggling at 46/3 before Mithali came in to bat. She completely changed the complexion of the innings, scoring 123 runs off just 63 balls. Her knock included 20 fours and a six at a strike rate of 195. This helped India post a mammoth total of 178/5. Sri Lanka could only manage 104/7 in response as India won comfortably by 74 runs.
85* vs Australia, 2005 World Cup Final
The 2005 World Cup final against Australia was a high pressure game. Batting first, India were in trouble at 93/3 when Mithali walked in. She held her nerve under immense pressure and scored an unbeaten 85 runs off 104 balls. This helped India reach a total of 200/8. Australia fell short in the chase scoring 195/9. India lifted the World Cup thanks to Mithali’s brilliant knock under pressure.
96* vs New Zealand, 2017 World Cup
India were batting second in this crunch game chasing a target of 261 runs. They were in trouble at 101/3 when Mithali came out to bat. She batted superbly and scored an unbeaten 96 runs off just 104 balls. Mithali took India close but they fell agonizingly short by a mere 1 run. Her knock under pressure almost single-handedly won the game for India.
76* vs West Indies, 2016 World T20
This was another crucial innings from Mithali in the World T20 semifinal against West Indies. India batted first and were in trouble at 67/3. Mithali scored 76* off just 61 balls and helped India recover to a total of 146/6. The West Indies could only manage 143/6 in response as India won by 3 runs. Mithali won the player of the match for her brilliant knock under pressure.
73* vs Australia, 2017 World Cup Semifinal
This was perhaps Mithali’s most important ODI innings, coming in the semifinal of the 2017 World Cup. Chasing a target of 227, India were wobbling at 35/2 when Mithali came in. She batted brilliantly with the tail and remained unbeaten on 73 off just 144 balls. Mithali took India close but they fell short by 36 runs as Australia won a thriller. Her knock under immense pressure almost took India into the final.
62 vs England, 2017 World Cup Opener
India’s very first game against England in the 2017 World Cup was vital. Batting first, India lost quick wickets and were reduced to 21/2. Mithali led the recovery with a steady 62 runs off 77 balls. She added 143 runs with Punam Raut as India finished with a total of 281/3. England were bowled out for 246 in response as India started their campaign with a win. Mithali set the tone with this vital knock.
Conclusion
Mithali Raj has played several brilliant match-winning knocks in India women cricket schedule over the years. Her ability to perform under pressure and dig India out of trouble has been simply outstanding. She has saved India on multiple occasions batting with the tail. Mithali’s calm and composed presence at the crease makes her one of the all-time great ODI batters. These 10 innings underline her class and value to the Indian women’s cricket team over the past two decades.
