Vadodara: Ace India batswoman Mithali Raj added another laurel to her illustrious career as she has become the first woman cricketer in the world to have an ODI career lasting over two decades.
Mithali, a former India captain, achieved the feat on Wednesday as she walked into the field during the first ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa here at the Reliance Stadium on Wednesday.
With India got off to flying start from the opening pair of Priya Punia and Jemimah Rodrigues while chasing 165 runs target, Mithali has only 11 (Not Out) runs to contribute to India's eight-wicket win.
Mithali, who made her ODI debut against Ireland on June 26, 1999, has completed 20 years and 105 days of her career in the 50-over format. She is also the only female cricketer to have played ODI cricket for over two decades.
The right-handed batter holds the record for playing the maximum number of ODIs in women's cricket. She has played 204 ODIs till now and is followed by England's Charlotte Edwards (191), Jhulan Goswami (178), Alex Blackwell (144) of Australia.
The 36-year-old has represented India in 10 Tests and 89 T20Is as well. Last month, Mithali retired from T20I cricket
Overall, batting stalwart Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for having the longest international career -- 22 years and 91 days. He is followed by Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya (21 years and 184 days), Javed Miandad (20 years and 272 days) of Pakistan, with Mithali coming in at the fourth spot.
