Hyderabad, April' 2005:  Mithali Raj, the 22-year-old South Central Railway employee has captained India for its first ever World Cup final appearance. Mithali Raj kept her reputation as the `woman to watch' alive when she lead her team to a strong victory over fancied New Zealand that helped India enter their first World Cup final. Their final hurdle are Australia, firm favorites.

Australia scored 215-4 in their 50 overs and bowled India out for 117 for a comfortable victory.Eventhouth India lost the final, it was indeed a golden day for Indian Women's cricket as India become the Asian team to enter the World Cup final.

Mithali Raj at 19 emerged as one of India's most capable batswomen with a staggering 214 against England in the second and final Test at Taunton. The middle-order bat now holds the record for the highest score in women's Test cricket, surpassing Karen Rolton's 209 not out against England.

Playing for Railways in the domestic competition, Mithali began by playing with stars like Purnima Rau, Anjum Chopra and Anju Jain for Air India. Now, though, she has emerged as one of India's most dependable bats, scoring heavily in both one-dayers and Tests. Her composure when at the crease and ability to score briskly make her a dangerous customer.

Mithali has grasped every opportunity she has been presented with and impressed. Coming to the wicket at times when batting is difficult, Mithali has shown an ability to soldier on without being perturbed. A star in the one-dayers, Mithali was taken ill with a strain of typhoid in the CricInfo Women's World Cup, seriously hampering India's progress.

In addition to her ability with the bat, Mithali rolls her arm over bowling leg-spinners and providing variety to any attack.

Mithali Raj
Records the highest individual score in Women's Test cricket