These players have outdone even the century in a dramatic fashion!
In the ODI format, batters have the opportunity to settle in and unleash their full potential once they find their rhythm on the pitch. Over the years, numerous batters have delivered outstanding performances, reaching the pinnacle of achievements with the highest scores in ODIs. Only a select few cricketers have managed to surpass the milestone of scoring a double century in the 50-over format. In this article, we'll look into the trailblazing players from each country who accomplished this exceptional feat.
India witnessed the historic moment of the first-ever double centurion in men’s ODIs, achieved by none other than Sachin Tendulkar. The Master Blaster accomplished this extraordinary milestone back in 2010, captivating the home crowd with his exceptional performance. Tendulkar displayed his batting mastery during the 2nd ODI match against South Africa in Gwalior. Opening the innings, the Mumbai maestro crafted an unbeaten 200 runs from 147 balls, striking 24 boundaries and clearing the ropes three times. His stellar innings propelled India to a formidable total of 401 runs, a score that the Indian bowlers successfully defended, securing a convincing victory by 153 runs.
Chris Gayle made history as the first West Indies batter to achieve a double century in ODIs. What sets his performance apart is that it occurred during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, making him the inaugural player to reach this milestone in the prestigious tournament. The explosive prowess of the Windies' batter was on full display as he amassed 215 runs against a struggling Zimbabwean bowling attack in Canberra. Gayle's signature strength, sending the ball sailing into the stands, was evident throughout the innings. In his remarkable knock, completed in just 147 balls, Gayle smashed 10 fours and an astounding 16 towering sixes. His relentless onslaught guided the West Indies to a commanding victory over Zimbabwe, winning by a margin of 73 runs.
Following Chris Gayle's record-breaking innings, it was the West Indies' turn to endure another onslaught, this time from Martin Guptill. In the crucial 4th Quarter Final of the 2015 World Cup, Guptill unleashed an unbeaten 237, establishing himself as the first New Zealand batter to surpass the 200-run mark in ODIs. Guptill's whirlwind inning made him the highest individual scorer in World Cup matches. Despite the challenge of losing wickets at regular intervals, Guptill remained steadfast, reaching a remarkable 237 off just 163 balls, featuring 24 boundaries and 11 sixes.
Before Fakhar Zaman's historic feat, the closest any Pakistani batter had come to a double century in ODIs was Saeed Anwar, who fell just 6 runs short in 1997 against India. During the 2018 Zimbabwe tour, Zaman's batting was truly exceptional, etching a memorable performance and leaving an enduring impact for Pakistan. Opening alongside Imam-ul-Haq, Zaman laid a solid foundation for Pakistan's innings and then proceeded to convert his century into a double hundred. His unbeaten 210, scored off 156 deliveries, featured 24 boundaries and 5 sixes, making him the first Pakistani batter to achieve the milestone of an ODI double century.
Despite coming in to bat with Australia at 49/4 and facing a hat-trick ball, Maxwell defied the odds and led his team to victory. In a showdown against underdog Afghanistan, the world champions faced a formidable challenge. However, Maxwell's performance turned the tide in Australia's favour. Even while contending with cramps in the humid Mumbai weather, Maxwell displayed resilience and produced a sensational unbeaten innings of 201 runs. His heroic effort propelled Australia to successfully chase down 292 runs and secure a memorable win.
Just over three months following Maxwell's remarkable innings, Afghanistan's bowlers found themselves on the receiving end of Pathum Nissanka's onslaught. The Sri Lankan opener showcased his batting talents by registering the country's inaugural ODI double century, all in the esteemed presence of the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya. In his 50th ODI appearance, Nissanka crafted an unforgettable unbeaten 210 runs off 139 deliveries. Against all odds, Nissanka exceeded expectations, carving his name into Sri Lankan cricket history with this exceptional performance.
While players from certain countries have yet to surpass the 200-run milestone, it's anticipated that several prominent players will soon achieve double centuries in the near future.
