New Zealand opener Suzie Bates on Saturday became the first player to reach the milestone of 3,000 T20I runs during a group stage clash against Ireland in the ICC World Twenty20 2018.
Bates who has been a prolific batswoman for the Kiwis over the years, reached the milestone in the first delivery of the third over, after her side was handed a paltry target of 80 runs to chase down by Ireland.
The 31-year-old cricketer achieved the run tally of 3000 runs in 105 T20 innings, at an average of 30.93 and strike rate of 112, with twenty half-centuries and a century to her credit.
Bates took 49 innings to score the first 1000 runs, before accumulating the next 2000 in 29 and 27 innings respectively.
New Zealand's @SuzieWBates today became the first player to reach the milestone of 3,000 T20I runs! Congratulations!
WATCH ▶️ https://t.co/zTry1FU5FO#WT20 #WatchThis pic.twitter.com/wtLrKoJNBi
— ICC (@ICC) November 18, 2018
New Zealand failed to make it to the semifinals of the ICC World Twenty20 2018 following defeats against India in their opening clash and arch-rivals Australia.
However, they capped off their campaign on a winning note, after registering an eight-wicket win against Ireland, chasing down the total in just 7.3 overs.
