Stafanie Taylor becomes only 2nd player after Mithali Raj to achieve special record in WODIs

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In a historic moment for West Indies and women’s cricket, captain Stafanie Taylor has officially etched her name deeper into the record books, becoming only the second player in Women’s One Day International (WODI) history to surpass the monumental mark. Achieved during the recent third WODI against Sri Lanka, this incredible milestone places Taylor in an exclusive club, previously occupied solely by India’s legendary Mithali Raj. It’s a testament to her enduring class, remarkable consistency, and unparalleled impact on the game for over a decade and a half.

Notably, during the third WODI against the Lankans, Taylor accomplished the record of reaching the landmark of 6,000 runs in Women ODIs. ​Taylor’s journey to this landmark has been one of relentless dedication and supreme talent. Debuting in 2008, she quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the West Indies team, consistently delivering match-winning performances with both bat and ball. Her elegant stroke play, shrewd game awareness, and ability to perform under pressure have made her one of the most respected figures in the sport.

​Reaching 6,000 runs in WODIs is not merely a statistical achievement; it reflects a career of sustained excellence at the highest level. Over 170 matches and 160-plus innings, Taylor has faced the world’s best bowlers, adapting to various conditions and maintaining an impressive average of over 40. This consistency is a hallmark of truly great batters, and Taylor has personified it throughout her illustrious career.

​Before Taylor, only one woman had scaled the 6,000-run peak, India’s former captain Mithali, who concluded her career with a staggering 7,805 runs. Mithali, a pioneer of women’s cricket, set the benchmark for longevity and run-scoring. For Taylor to now stand alongside her signifies her place among the pantheon of cricketing greats.

​While Charlotte Edwards famously came close, finishing with 5,992 runs, it is Taylor who has now successfully navigated the final few hurdles to claim this coveted spot. This achievement further solidifies her legacy as arguably the greatest female cricketer the West Indies has ever produced.

Also READ: Amelia Kerr’s magnificent century powers New Zealand to emphatic win over Zimbabwe in 1st Women’s T20I

Speaking about the match, Sri Lanka posted 217/7 in their allotted 50 overs after opting to bat first, with Harshitha Samarawickrama anchoring the innings through a composed 70 off 112 balls. Contributions from the middle order helped them reach a competitive total, but they were unable to fully capitalize in the final overs.

In reply, West Indies chased down the target in confident fashion, reaching 218/4 in 46 overs to seal a six-wicket victory. Captain Hayley Matthews led from the front with a magnificent 100 off 119 deliveries, controlling the chase with maturity and flair. Despite Sri Lanka having already clinched the WODI series with victories in the first two matches, the hosts showed character and resilience to bounce back strongly in the final ODI, avoiding a series whitewash and finishing the 50-over leg on a positive note.

Also READ: Hayley Matthews’ stunning century helps West Indies avoid clean sweep against Sri Lanka in WODI series

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.