London: Back in 1999, 16-year-old schoolgirl Mithali Raj was simply happy wearing the India colours for the first time and not much changed even after two decades as the coveted milestone of 200 ODIs ‘is just a number’ for the 36-year-old legend.

Mithali made her ODI debut against England in Milton Keynes in January 1999 and on Friday became the first woman to complete in 200 matches in the 50-over format. Not to forget, she is the top run-getter in the world with 6622 runs.

“I have seen different stages of (transformation) in women’s cricket across the globe since I made by debut way back in 1999 under IWCC (International Women’s Cricket Council). Coming under ICC, we could see the difference. I am just happy to represent the country for so long,” Mithali said.

For Mithali, it is a surreal feeling that she could continue for so long at the top level.

“When I started, I didn’t think that I will come so far. Initially, my aim was to only wear the India colours, be one of the core members of the team but never did I think that I will continue to play for so long,” said Mithali as one could gauge the sense of satisfaction in her voice.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Monitor staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)