ODIs have changed a lot since their inception in the 1970s. Back then, the game was dominated by batters and bowlers, with a strong focus on runs scored and wickets taken. These days, however, there is more of an emphasis on the fielding team winning games than ever before. It requires players to be able to hit boundaries at will but also make quick singles and twos when they need to. It is where the double century comes in. In an ODI match, it can be used as a way of building up momentum for your team or breaking down that of your opponent.
The double century is one of the most important achievements in ODI cricket. It is a milestone that only a few players have reached, and it is something that every player dreams about achieving. A double century means that you have scored 200 runs or more, which means you are playing at a very high level and dominating your opponents. Many factors are involved in reaching this milestone, but it also takes a lot of luck. Many different types of batters can reach this milestone, but it takes a lot of skill to do so.
Many players scored double centuries in ODis. We have mentioned some players who have achieved the milestone.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is the most popular Indian cricketer and a left-handed batsman. He is considered the god of cricket, and his remarkable records state why he is the Lord. He is also the first player to score a double century in ODIs. On February 24, 2010, against South Africa, Sachin Tendulkar scored a historic double hundred, setting a new standard for men’s ODI cricket.
2. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag is the only player to score a double century in less than 200 balls. Sehwag owns a reputable name in the cricket world and is known for his aggressive yet composed batting style. He was also the fastest to do so and did it twice. He accomplished it in 2011 against the West Indies, shortly after India won the World Cup, and became the second hitter among men to record an ODI double. Twenty-five fours and 5 sixes were part of his 219 off 149 balls.
Sehwag’s second double ton came against West Indies. On December 8, 2011, Virender Sehwag struck a superb 219 against the West Indies to record the second double-century in men’s ODI history.
3. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle is the only player to have scored more than 200 runs in ODI innings. Gayle is the OG or original gangster in the cricketing realm. He has also scored the most runs in a match, tournament, and year.
There is no better way to get your name written in history books in cricket than scoring a double century (200) or a triple hundred (300). These special knocks require great skill, concentration, patience, and good form from the batsman involved. A double century by any batsman is considered one of the best performances in their career because it means they have batted for over 200 balls without getting out!
4. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is a right-handed batsman who plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and India in ODIs, T20Is, and Tests. Rohit is known as a hitman as his stupendous sixes and fours are a treat to the eyes. When he is on the field with his bat in one hand and aggression in his eyes, one thing is sure he is tearing off the records. On November 2, 2013, at Chennai’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, he hit his first double-century against cricketing powerhouse Australia. Sharma’s outstanding 209 points contributed to India’s victory in the game.
5. Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill is a phenomenal player. He has a great eye, his timing is impeccable, and he swings the bat with a smooth, fluid motion that makes it look like he’s not even trying. He set a world record for the most runs scored in a three-match bilateral ODI series by scoring 330 runs in three matches. He was the fifth player and the first New Zealander to score two centuries in an ODI.
6. Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman is a Pakistani cricketer who plays for the Pakistan national cricket team and the Lahore Qalandars. He was born on December 19, 1990, in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
On July 20, 2018, Fakhar Zaman, the southpaw opener for the developing Pakistani team, became the first batter from his country to record a double century in an ODI. During Pakistan’s visit to the African country, he accomplished this achievement in the fourth One-Day International (ODI) of a five-match series against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo.
Wrap up
The double century is rare in ODI cricket, requiring skill, patience, and determination.
It isn’t easy to score a double century. It’s also very difficult for batsmen to keep up their concentration for such a long time—that’s why some call a double century an “achievement of the highest order.” But these players attained this glorious feat effortlessly.