Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Suzie Bates breaks Mithali Raj's record for most international matches in women's cricket

Talismanic New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates breaks former Indian captain Mithali Raj’s record to become the most-capped player in the history of women’s internationals. The experienced campaigner achieved the feat in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday, October 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

Bates made her international debut in 2006 at the age of 19 against India. She stepped out for her 334th international encounter (163 ODIs and 171 T20Is) on Sunday. Mithali played 333 matches in her illustrious career for the Indian women’s team before hanging her boots following the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup on New Zealand soil.

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Apart from Bates and Mithali, Ellyse Perry, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Charlotte Edwards form the top five list of players with the most matches in women's internationals. Perry and Kaur are the two active players in the list apart from the New Zealander.

Most matches in Women’s internationals:

Suzie Bates – 334 (163 ODIs and 171 T20Is)

Mithali Raj – 333 (12 Tests, 232 ODIs and 89 T20Is)

Ellyse Perry – 322 (13 Tests, 147 ODIs and 162 T20Is)

Harmanpreet Kaur – 316 (6 Tests, 133 ODIs and 177 T20Is)

Charlotte Edwards – 309 (23 Tests, 191 ODIs and 95 T20Is)

New Zealand get off to solid start after South Africa win the toss and opt to bowl

Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat first in the summit clash. Ayabonga Khaka got the better of Georgia Plimmer in the second over before Bates and Amelia Kerr formed a decent partnership of 37 runs.

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Bates wasted a good start as she departed for a 31-ball 32 as Nonkululeko Mlaba broke the partnership. At the end of 10 overs, the White Ferns reached 70/2 as Kerr and captain Sophie Devine are looking to form a partnership and set things up for a strong finish in the death overs.