List of Double Centuries in ODI Cricket: Highest Individual Scores in ODI
One Day International (ODI) cricket has given its fans some of the most thrilling batting performances over the years. Scoring a century in limited-overs cricket was considered very difficult, but modern players have redefined the standards of batting by breaking the boundaries of what was considered possible.
The journey from the first ODI double century to the consistent 200+ scores we see today tells the story of evolving batting strategies, improved fitness, power-hitting skills and favourable playing conditions. This blog will take you through the complete list of double centuries in ODI cricket, as well as highlight the highest individual scores in ODI history.
The First ODI Double Century
For many years, a double century in ODI cricket seemed like a distant dream. Initially, the format was limited to just 60 overs and then 50 overs, which left batsmen with hardly any time. However, the great Sachin Tendulkar changed history by scoring 200 runs off 147 balls against South Africa in Gwalior on 24 February 2010.
Tendulkar’s innings inspired new batsmen to set higher goals. Since then, many players have crossed the magical 200-run mark, and some have gone even further.
List of Double Centuries in ODI Cricket
Here is the latest list of all the players who have scored double centuries in ODI cricket:
| Player | Team | Number of 200s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | India | 3 | 264 |
| Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 1 | 237* |
| Virender Sehwag | India | 1 | 219 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 1 | 215 |
| Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan | 1 | 210* |
| Pathum Nissanka | Sri Lanka | 1 | 210* |
| Ishan Kishan | India | 1 | 210 |
| Shubman Gill | India | 1 | 208 |
| Glenn Maxwell | Australia | 1 | 201* |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 1 | 200* |
India: The Powerhouse of ODI Double Centuries
Out of the 14 double centuries scored in ODI cricket so far, 12 belong to men’s cricket, and 7 of those have been scored by Indian batsmen. This made it a testament to India’s dominance in limited-overs batting.
- Rohit Sharma: 3 double centuries
- Sachin Tendulkar: 1
- Virender Sehwag: 1
- Ishan Kishan: 1
- Shubman Gill: 1
Rohit Sharma holds multiple records in this elite list:
- First cricketer to score two, and later three, ODI double centuries.
- First player to score two double centuries against one team (Sri Lanka).
- His epic 264 (173 balls) remains the highest individual score in ODI history and also the record for most balls faced in a single ODI innings.
Trends Behind ODI Double Centuries
There are several factors that explain the increasing frequency of double centuries in ODIs:
Better fitness and strike rotation: Modern cricketers maintain the stamina to bat for up to 50 overs.
Power-hitting techniques: Innovations like helicopter shots, switch-hits and scoops have expanded the scoring zone.
Smaller boundaries and better bats: The equipment and conditions are favourable for batsmen.
Flat pitches in limited-overs cricket: Many double centuries have come on batting-friendly wickets.
Aggressive mindset: T20 cricket has changed the approach; players are ready to attack with the ball first.
Players Most Likely to Score the Next ODI Double Century
Looking at current batting talent, a few names stand out as strong contenders for future double tons:
- Rohit Sharma (already 3 double centuries, still active).
- Shubman Gill (young, consistent, stylish opener).
- Babar Azam (Pakistan’s most consistent ODI batsman).
- David Warner (explosive opener with experience).
- Harry Brook or Will Jacks (next-gen English power-hitters).
You may also like: Harry Brook vs Shubman Gill: Who Is Better? Batting & Stats Comparison
Why Double Centuries Matter in ODI Cricket
- Team Advantage: A batsman scoring 200+ almost guarantees a massive team total.
- Historical Prestige: Limited players achieve this milestone.
- Fan Excitement: The thrill of watching a batsman chase the 200 mark is unmatched.
- Benchmark for greatness: Double centuries separate the good from the legendary in limited-overs cricket.
Conclusion
From Sachin Tendulkar’s explosive 200 in 2010 to Glenn Maxwell’s heroic 201 in 2023, the history of ODI double centuries reflects the evolution of cricket into a more aggressive, entertaining and record-breaking game.
What once seemed impossible is now a realistic goal for top-level batsmen. With young players like Gill and Kishan and veterans like Rohit and Maxwell, cricket fans can expect many more double centuries in the coming years.
The list of highest individual scores in ODIs will continue to grow. And who knows what memorable record-breaking innings the upcoming World Cup will gift us.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Q1. Who was the first player to score a double century in ODI cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar scored the first ODI double century (200*) against South Africa in 2010.
Q2. Who has scored the most ODI double centuries?
Rohit Sharma holds the record of three double centuries in ODIs.
Q3. What is the name of the player with the highest individual score in ODI matches?
It was none other than our Indian captain Rohit Sharma who scored 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Q4. Who scored the fastest double century in ODIs?
Ishan Kishan scored a double century in just 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022, making it the fastest double century ever.
Q5. Has any player scored a double century in World Cup matches?
Yes, Chris Gayle (2015), Martin Guptill (2015), and Glenn Maxwell (2023) have scored double centuries in World Cup matches.
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