Birthday special: Lisa Sthalekar – Top 3 performances in international cricket

Lisa Sthalekar, who was born on August 13, 1979, is unquestionably one of the finest all-rounders that women’s cricket has ever seen. Sthalekar, who was born in Maharashtra, was adopted by an Indian-origin father and an English mother who were foreign residents. She went on to become one of the women’s game legends.

Her seemingly grounded demeanour and shy smile make it simple to underestimate her powerful influence in the game. Sthalekar is now a sports presenter, a commentator, an avid writer, and a cricket pundit, keeping her “all-rounder” title intact to date. As she turns 44, let us have a look at her top three performances in the international circuit from her playing days.

3. 104*(112) vs India in 2008

It was surely a memorable outing for Sthalekar when Australia played India in 2008. The Aussies batted first and after a poor and slow start by the opening batters, Sthalekar anchored the innings to take her team to a good total. In the process, she notched up an unbeaten century, scoring 104* runs off 112 deliveries.

2. 5/35 vs New Zealand in 2010

Australia were on the path for a resounding victory and their second Rose Bowl victory in a month thanks to Lisa Sthalekar’s five-wicket haul. Australia lost four wickets during their chase, but finished off the job within 37.2 overs, thanks to Sthalekar’s 5/35 that helped her team dismiss New Zealand for just 173. 

1. 5/30 vs India in 2006

Sthalekar registered her best bowling figures in Test in the one-off Test against India in 2006. After hitting a 180-ball 72, Sthalekar went wicketless in the first innings. But comprehensive efforts by the bowlers helped Australia dismiss India early, as they were asked to follow on. In the second innings, Sthalekar gave away mere 30 runs, bowled 10 maiden overs and stormed through the Indian batting order to bag a five-wicket haul, which also included the prized wickets of Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and Jhulan Goswami.