Jhulan Goswami, first woman to 200 ODI wickets

Indian women pacer, Jhulan Goswami created history after India beat South Africa in the second ODI on Wednesday at Kimberly as she became the first female cricketer to register 200 ODI wickets. The 35 year old, on her 166th ODI, dismissed the South African opener Laura Wolvaardt for her 200th wicket.

Laura Wolvaardt edged Jhulan's delivery in the fifth over and the wicket keeper, Sushma Verma took the all important catch to create history in Women's cricket. Goswami was in full joy and told "Honestly speaking, when I was only three wickets away from being the highest wicket-taker in the world, I was keeping a count. I took a long time to cross that milestone, but this time I was not counting. I was concentrating only on my processes. If my process is right, then wickets will follow."

India put a mammoth total of 302/3 in the second ODI and it was Smriti Mandhana who scored an another ton to ensure India reach a total. Smriti was adjudged as the Man of the Match for her magnificent knock of 135 run in just 129 balls, which sealed the series win for India. Indian women now play the inconsequential last ODI on February 10 at the Park, Potchefstroom.

Talking about her favorite wicket, Jhulan Goswami, the ICC Women Cricketer of the Year in 2007 told "I remember each of my 200 wickets, right from the beginning of my international career in 2002. I still remember I got (Caroline) Atkins (the then England opener) out, caught in the slips. Mithali (Raj) was in the slip and she caught that catch. Whenever I bowl at a crucial time in the match and end a partnership, it becomes special for me. I cannot pick one. All the wickets are planned. Every wicket is important."

In her illustrious career, Goswami boasts a career economy of 3.23 and her best figures have been 6/31 against New Zealand in 2011. She has also taken 40 and 50 wickets in Test and T20 respectively.

Interestingly, Indian legend Kapil Dev was the first male cricketer to reach 200 ODI wickets feat in ODI cricket and both Indians took just 166 ODIs to complete the landmark, What a coincidence!

Social media exploded with congratulatory messages and ICC tweeted, "She's done it! Jhulan Goswami is the first female cricketer to take 200 ODI wickets! Congratulations @JhulanG10!"

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar congratulated via twitter, "What a match this is turning out to be!! Stellar performance by @mandhana_smriti once again. A big congratulations to #JhulanGoswami on her 200th ODI wicket. #Jhulan200 #SAWvINDW

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