Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj. Image: Twitter

Indian women cricket team stalwart Mithali Raj etched her name once again in the record books on Saturday during the high-octane clash against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland. Australia skipper Meg Lanning won the toss and asked the Indians to bat first.

India were reduced to 28/2 in six overs as both the openers Smriti Mandhana (10) and Shafali Verma (12) were back in the dugout. Mithali joined youngster Yastika Bhatia at the crease and the duo steadied the sinking ship through their alliance of 130 runs.

Mithali Raj equals the record of most World Cup half-centuries

Mithali, who scored 46 runs in the four matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 so far, rose to the occasion to give India the momentum to post a competitive target against their rivals, who have won all of their four matches in the league stage so far.

Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj. Image: BCCI Women/Twitter

Mithali scored 68 from 96 balls, her valiant efforts included four boundaries and a six to Jess Jonassen, making use of the best of her feet to launch the ball straight down the fence. Mithali brought up the 63rd ODI half-century of her illustrious career and it was the 12th in World Cup tournaments.

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The Indian skipper equalled the record held by former New Zealand player Deborah Hockley of scoring the most 50-plus scores in the ODI World Cup tournaments.

Mithali Raj and I had a chat to go at 4-5 runs in an over: Yastika Bhatia

Yastika, who scored 59 from 83, said Mithali had told her not to lose wickets and opened up about batting at No.3 despite opening in the last three games.

Mithali Raj and Yastika Bhatia
Mithali Raj and Yastika Bhatia. Image: Twitter

“Two wickets had fallen so Mithali di and I had a chat to go at 4-5 runs an over and not lose a wicket. I’ve been batting at No. 3 in the past, in domestics and in Australia so it was no surprise for me when sir told me yesterday that I’d bat at No. 3. I think it will be a close game and it looks defendable,” Yastika told the official broadcasters of the event. 

India’s vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 57 from 47 balls as India posted 277/7 at the end of 50 overs. India have won two and lost as many matches as they sit in the fourth position of the points table with four points. It is an important game for the Women in Blue to survive in the tournament.

Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: We Definitely Didn’t Have Partnerships And It Didn’t Go Our Way – Mithali Raj After 4-wicket Defeat Against England

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