The First Double Century in ODI Cricket: Beyond Sachin Tendulkar

When we talk about milestone achievements in cricket, the name Sachin Tendulkar often comes to mind. A legendary figure in ODI cricket, Tendulkar's unbeaten 200-run knock against South Africa in 2010 marked his place in history as the first batsman to score a double century in an ODI match. However, the chronological first achiever in this remarkable feat is actually Belinda Clark, an Australian cricketer who set the record a generation earlier than Tendulkar.

Belinda Clark: The Pioneering Female Cricketer

Belinda Clark, an Australian cricketer, made history when she scored 229 not out against Denmark in 1997. This remarkable achievement not only makes her the first female cricketer to hit a double century in ODI cricket but also paves the way for future generations of female players in the sport.

Sachin Tendulkar: The Modern Icon

Sachin Tendulkar, with his iconic unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010, redefined the concept of a double century in ODI cricket. His innings at Gwalior Stadium, Captain Roop Singh Stadium, was not just a milestone but a testament to his enduring batting skills and the evolving nature of the sport. Tendulkar's achievement inspired many cricketers and set a new standard for scoring in One Day Internationals.

A Brief Timeline of Double Centuries in ODI Cricket

Since then, numerous players have joined the list of those who have scored double centuries in ODIs. Here is a list of the players who cracked the 200-run mark, including both men and women:

Women Cricketers

Belinda Clark (1997) - 229 vs Denmark

Men Cricketers

Sachin Tendulkar (2010) - 200 vs South Africa Virendra Sehwag (2011) - 219 vs West Indies Rohit Sharma (2013) - 209 vs Australia Rohit Sharma (2014) - 264 vs Sri Lanka (Highest ODI individual score) Martin Guptill (2015) - 237 vs West Indies Chris Gayle (2015) - 215 vs Zimbabwe Rohit Sharma (2017) - 208 vs Sri Lanka Amelia Kerr (2018) - 232 vs Ireland (Youngest at 17 years old) Fakhar Zaman (2018) - 210 vs Zimbabwe Ishan Kishan (2022) - 210 vs Bangladesh (Fastest ODI double hundred) Shubman Gill (2023) - 208 vs New Zealand Glenn Maxwell (2023) - 201 (against Afghanistan, notable for a come-from-behind win) Pathum Nissanka (2024) - 210 vs Afghanistan (First Sri Lankan to score a double century in ODI)

Conclusion

The journey from Belinda Clark's historic double hundred to the current crop of ODI players who regularly break the 200-run barrier is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the game. While Sachin Tendulkar's achievements are indeed monumental, the story of the first double century in ODI cricket is a fascinating narrative highlighting the remarkable journey of women in cricket as well.