India's ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday broke the record for most matches captained in the ICC Women's World Cup, surpassing former Australian counterpart Belinda Clark.
Mithali, 39, has led the country in 24 World Cup games, claiming 14 victories, 8 losses and one no result. Clark had captained her side in 23 matches.
The India skipper achieved the feat when she stepped out to lead the country against the West Indies in a crucial match in the ongoing showpiece event in New Zealand.
𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶 🙌 🙌#TeamIndia Captain @M_Raj03 now holds the record of captaining in most matches - 2⃣4⃣ - in the Women's ODI World Cups. 🔝 👏#CWC22 | #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/qkbcXa2srP
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) March 12, 2022
Interestingly, Mithali and Clark are the only two cricketers to have led their country at more than two World Cups.
Last Sunday, Mithali became only the third cricketer and the first woman to appear in six World Cups, joining the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and Pakistani great Javed Miandad.
Big total
Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur scored impressive centuries to take India to 317 for the loss of eight wickets in the league-stage match against the West Indies.
Vice-captain Kaur 109 off 107 balls while Mandhana scored 123 off 119 balls. The onus is now on the bowlers to restrict a Windies side that has won both their matches so far, including a nail-biting win over holders England.
Brief scores: India Women 317/8 (Mandhana 123, Anisa Mohammed 2/59)
- With inputs from PTI
