Mithali Raj becomes highest run-scorer for India in T20Is. Photo credits: ACC

Indian batswoman Mithali Raj leapfrogged Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer for India in T20I cricket. With 2232 runs in her account, Mithali now sits on the top of the list of most runs for India (men’s and women’s combined) in the shortest format of the game. Her record came in the blockbuster game against Pakistan, where India were eyeing revenge for the two-run defeat that they suffered in T20 World Cup 2016.

Surprisingly, Mithali was sent to open the innings in the marquee match. In the previous tie against New Zealand, she didn’t get a chance to bat and it was expected that she might continue to bat in the middle order but skipper Harmanpreet Kaur decided to cash in on her experience and sent her along with Smriti Mandhana to start the proceedings with the bat.

The duo shared 73 runs for the first wicket in 9.3 overs to give India a steady start. Mithali played an innings of 56 off 47 before being dismissed in 18th over when the Women in Blue were on the brink of registering their second win in the tournament.

On her way to brilliant innings, Mithali became the highest run-scorer for India. She was already ahead of Kohli in the list and was trailing to Rohit by a small margin. Rohit has scored 2207 runs in 87 T20Is while Kohli has 2102 runs in 72 innings.

During the second T20I of the series between India and West Indies last week, Rohit had gone past India’s regular skipper to become the highest run-scorer for India in the shortest format of the game. Mithali was right behind Rohit and crossed his score to become the leading run-scorer for India.