In the not-so-distant past, One Day Internationals (ODIs) were characterized by a different rhythm, where a target of 200 runs seemed like a challenging fortress to breach. Teams would meticulously strategize and execute plans to defend or chase down this seemingly formidable total. Each run was earned with diligence, and crossing the 200-run mark as a team was often seen as a significant achievement in the limited-overs format.

A paradigm shift in modern cricket: Nonchalant scoring of 200 runs and beyond

Fast forward to the contemporary era of cricket, and the narrative has taken a dramatic turn. In recent times, what was once considered a competitive target has now become a routine, with modern cricketers treating the scoring of 200 runs as a mere starting point. The evolution of the game, fueled by aggressive batting approaches, innovative strokes, and dynamic player mindsets, has led to an era where scores of 200 or more are not just commonplace but are achieved with nonchalant ease. This shift mirrors the dynamic and thrilling nature of modern ODIs, where the pursuit of high scores has become an integral part of the game’s charm and excitement.

A compilation of players scoring double centuries in ODI cricket

In the illustrious history of ODIs, a select group of cricketers have left an indelible mark with stellar performances, particularly in the realm of double centuries.

1.Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 200 not out

Sachin Tendulkar (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: February 24, 2010
Opponent: South Africa
Venue: Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior
India’s Score: 401/3
South Africa’s Score: 248/10
Result: India won the match by 153 runs
Impact: Tendulkar’s innings was a milestone moment as he became the first player to score a double century in ODIs.

This exclusive club witnessed its inception on February 24, 2010, when the cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar etched his name into the annals of history by notching an unbeaten 200 against South Africa at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior. This innings not only secured India’s victory by 153 runs but also heralded the era of double centuries in ODIs, a feat once deemed unattainable.

2. Virender Sehwag (India) – 219

Virender Sehwag (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: December 8, 2011
Opponent: West Indies
Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
India’s Score: 418/5
West Indies’ Score: 265
Result: India won the match by 153 runs
Impact: Sehwag’s aggressive innings set a new record for the highest individual score in ODIs at that time.

Following in the footsteps of Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag showcased his explosive batting prowess on December 8, 2011, unleashing a blistering 219 against the West Indies at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. This innings, defined by audacious strokes, not only steered India to a resounding 153-run victory but also set a new benchmark for the highest individual score in ODIs at that time.

3. Rohit Sharma (India) – 209

Rohit Sharma (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: November 2, 2013
Opponent: Australia
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
India’s Score: 383/6
Australia’s Score: 326/10
Result: India won the match by 57 runs
Impact: Rohit Sharma became the third batsman to score a double century in ODIs, contributing significantly to India’s victory.

Rohit Sharma, often hailed as the “Hitman,” has played a pivotal role in this exclusive club of double centurions. On November 2, 2013, he notched 209 against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, significantly contributing to India’s triumph by 57 runs.

4. Rohit Sharma (India) – 264

Rohit Sharma (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: November 13, 2014
Opponent: Sri Lanka
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
India’s Score: 404/5
Sri Lanka’s Score: 251/10
Result: India won the match by 153 runs
Impact: Rohit’s monumental innings set a new world record for the highest individual score in ODIs.

Additionally, Rohit’s monumental knock of 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 13, 2014, not only secured another victory for India, this time by 153 runs, but also elevated him to the status of the highest individual scorer in ODIs.

5. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 215

Chris Gayle (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: February 24, 2015
Opponent: Zimbabwe
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
West Indies’ Score: 372/2
Zimbabwe’s Score: 289
Result: West Indies won the match by 73 runs
Impact: Chris Gayle’s innings was a dominating performance, setting a new individual record in ODIs and contributing to West Indies’ victory.

Chris Gayle left an indelible mark on February 24, 2015, during the ICC Cricket World Cup pool stage match against Zimbabwe. The powerful West Indian opener unleashed a spectacular innings, amassing a colossal 215 runs not out. This remarkable performance took place at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Gayle’s innings was characterized by his trademark sixes, and he became the first player in Cricket World Cup history to score a double century. His explosive knock, comprising 16 sixes and 10 boundaries, played a pivotal role in West Indies’ commanding victory by 73 runs.

6. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 237 not out

Martin Guptill (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: March 21, 2015
Opponent: West Indies
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
New Zealand’s Score: 393/6
West Indies’ Score: 250/10
Result: New Zealand won the match by 143 runs
Impact: Guptill’s innings was crucial in guiding New Zealand to a comprehensive victory in the World Cup quarter-final

New Zealand‘s Martin Guptill showcased his batting prowess on March 21, 2015, during a World Cup quarter-final against the West Indies at Westpac Stadium, Wellington. Guptill’s scintillating knock of 237 not out played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s comprehensive victory by 143 runs, propelling them to the semi-finals.

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7. Rohit Sharma (India) – 208 not out

Rohit Sharma (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: December 13, 2017
Opponent: Sri Lanka
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
India’s Score: 392/4
Sri Lanka’s Score: 251/8
Result: India won the match by 141 runs
Impact: Rohit Sharma’s innings marked his third double century in ODIs, solidifying his reputation as a masterful limited-overs batsman and contributing to India’s comprehensive win.

Rohit, known for his flair in limited-overs cricket, scripted his own chapter in the history of double centuries on December 13, 2017. During the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Rohit showcased sublime batting mastery. He reached the monumental score of 208 runs, anchoring India’s innings with a blend of elegance and power. Rohit’s innings was adorned with 13 fours and 12 towering sixes. His stellar performance propelled India to a substantial total, eventually securing a resounding victory by 141 runs.

8. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) – 210 not out

Fakhar Zaman (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: July 20, 2018
Opponent: Zimbabwe
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Pakistan’s Score: 399/1
Zimbabwe’s Score: 155 runs
Result: Pakistan won the match by 244 runs
Impact: Fakhar Zaman became the first Pakistani batsman to score a double century in ODIs, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s massive win.

Fakhar Zaman etched his name in history on July 20, 2018, becoming the first Pakistan batter to achieve a double century in ODIs. His unbeaten 210 against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, not only secured Pakistan’s victory by a staggering 244 runs but also underscored Zaman’s prowess as a formidable opener.

9. Ishan Kishan (India) – 210 not out

Ishan Kishan (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: December 10, 2022
Opponent: Bangladesh
Venue: Chattogram
India’s Score: 409/8
Bangladesh’s Score: 182 (all out)
Result: India won the match by 227 runs
Impact: Ishan Kishan’s blitzkrieg innings, including 24 fours and 10 sixes, played a crucial role in India’s dominating victory.

On December 10, 2022, Ishan Kishan left an indelible mark with a stunning innings of 210 not out against Bangladesh in Chattogram. His explosive display included 24 fours and 10 sixes, propelling India to a formidable total of 409/8. Bangladesh, in response, struggled and was bowled out for 182, resulting in India’s resounding victory by 227 runs. Kishan’s blitzkrieg innings showcased his prowess and played a pivotal role in India’s dominating performance.

10. Shubman Gill (India) – 208

Shubman Gill (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: January 18, 2023
Opponent: New Zealand
Venue: Hyderabad
India’s Score: 349
New Zealand’s Score: 337
Result: India won the match by 12 runs
Impact: Gill, at the age of 23, became the youngest double centurion, contributing significantly to India’s triumph.

Shubman Gill, on January 18, 2023, etched his name in the record books with a spectacular innings of 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad. At the age of 23, Gill became the youngest double centurion, contributing significantly to India’s triumph. In a high-scoring encounter, India posted 349, and although New Zealand fought valiantly with 337, India emerged victorious. Shubman Gill’s innings highlighted his batting prowess and added another chapter to India’s rich cricketing history.

11. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 201

Glenn Maxwell (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: November 7, 2023
Opponent: Afghanistan
Venue: Wankhede Stadium
Afghanistan’s Score: 291/5
Australia’s Score: 293/7
Result: Australia won the match by three wickets
Impact: Maxwell’s explosive double century rescued Australia from a challenging situation, showcasing his power-hitting prowess.

In a thrilling encounter against Afghanistan on November 7, 2023, at Wankhede Stadium, Glenn Maxwell scripted history with a blistering double century, scoring 201 runs in just 128 balls. Australia, facing initial troubles, managed to reach 293/7 in response to Afghanistan’s 291/5. Maxwell’s remarkable feat exemplified his extraordinary power-hitting abilities, making him the first Australian to achieve a double century in ODI cricket. Despite the challenging situation, Maxwell’s fearless approach played a crucial role in Australia’s eventual triumph.

12. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – 210

Pathum Nissanka (Image Source: Twitter)

Date: February 9, 2024
Opponent: Afghanistan
Venue: Pallekele Stadium
Sri Lanka’s Score: 381/3
Afghanistan’s Score: 339/6
Result: Sri Lanka won the match by 42 runs
Impact: Nissanka scripted history as the first Sri Lankan to achieve a double century, making a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s commanding total and victory.

On February 9, 2024, Pathum Nissanka made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to score a double century in ODIs. His remarkable innings of 210, including 20 fours and 2 sixes, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s commanding total of 381/3 against Afghanistan at Pallekele Stadium. Despite Afghanistan’s resilient batting effort, reaching 349/6, Nissanka’s historic achievement ensured Sri Lanka’s victory. Thirimanne’s innings showcased his skill and determination, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lankan cricket.

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