Goodbyes are never easy but it is a reality one needs to reconcile with as it is an inescapable aspect of everyone’s life, especially athletes. Even in the past, it was difficult to imagine the game of cricket without Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara and going forward there will be more tearful adieus. So, when Mithali Raj, the prolific Indian women cricketer, decided to call time on her career every cricket lover across the country felt the pangs of separation. But at 39, she has served Indian cricket enough and Mithali would have felt that her body has had enough of international cricket over the years. In such a scenario, it won’t be inappropriate to live through her ODI knocks, a format in which she has scored over 7805 runs, for the one last time.
Windies Blown Away By Mithali’s Unbeaten Ton (2011)
In a scorching and punishing weather, but a batsmen-friendly condition of Rajkot, Mithali Raj played a fairy tale knock. Making first use of the belter of a track, the Indian captain scored a marvellous 109 off 106 balls. She was in no mood for a compromise on the day and Windies bowlers bore the brunt of her brutal blade as she shredded the Caribbean attack to pieces. In the process, she also stitched a century stand with Poonam Raut (64) to propel India to a fighting 216/4. Replying to the target, West Indies batters experienced a meltdown to fold up for 210.
India’s Young Sensation’s Ton Sinks Ireland (1999)
A young Mithali Raj in her debut year showed the world that she can walk into any international squad with ease. In alien conditions, it is never easy to bat on but Mithali proved that she can excel on any pitch, be it flat or sporting. At Milton Keynes, it was the Ireland women who found themselves helpless against the free-flowing young batter as she notched up 114 and put up a humongous opening partnership with Reshma Gandhi (104) batting first. Resultantly, India ended up with 258 in their stipulated 50 overs and Ireland kept sinking under the huge weight of the total to hand India a massive 161 run victory.
The Veteran Batter’s Career Best Knock Goes In Vain (2018)
Playing on an easy-paced Sri Lankan pitch against the home team Mithali provided a masterclass in how to construct ODI innings. She scored an undefeated 125 off 143 balls, which included 14 hits to the fence and one over it. The superlative knock helped India amass a healthy total of 253 with the loss of 4 wickets. However, the Sri Lankan batters, in their quest for the imposing target, performed well on the day in a thrilling encounter to snatch a last-ball victory. Despite her century not helping India’s cause, Mithali was able to silence her critics, who were questioning her strike rate for a while.
