Introduction
Cricket, often hailed as a gentleman’s game, has witnessed an evolution in the One Day International (ODI) format. Batsmen no longer merely aim for centuries; they seek to transcend boundaries by scoring double centuries. The race to a double century in ODIs is not for the faint-hearted, demanding power, precision, and endurance. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the fastest double centuries in ODI cricket history, a feat achieved by only a select few.
1. Ishan Kishan (126 balls) vs BAN, 2022
- Runs: 210
- Match: India vs. Bangladesh
- Total Runs: India 409/8, Bangladesh 182
- Result: India won by 227 runs
- Location : Chattogram,Bangladesh
Ishan Kishan, the young Indian sensation, etched his name into the record books by achieving the fastest double century in ODI cricket. In a clash against Bangladesh in December 2022, Kishan delivered a batting masterclass. He blazed his way to a 126-ball double century, scoring an astonishing 210 runs off 131 balls. His innings featured 24 fours and ten sixes, redefining the boundaries of ODI batting. Kishan’s 290-run partnership with Virat Kohli (113 off 91) propelled India to a mammoth total of 409/8. Bangladesh, in reply, could only muster 182 runs, succumbing to a 227-run defeat.
2. Chris Gayle (138 balls) vs ZIM, 2015
- Runs: 215
- Match: West Indies vs. Zimbabwe
- Total Runs: West Indies 372, Zimbabwe 289 (DLS method)
- Result: West Indies won by 73 runs
- Location: Canberra, Australia
Before Ishan Kishan’s record-breaking innings, the title of the fastest ODI double century belonged to the ‘Universe Boss,’ Chris Gayle. During the 2015 World Cup in Canberra, Gayle dismantled the Zimbabwean bowling attack with his explosive batting. He reached his double century in just 138 balls, ultimately amassing 215 runs off 147 deliveries. Gayle’s innings featured 10 fours and a staggering 16 sixes, an exhibition of his unparalleled power-hitting. His monumental 372-run partnership with Marlon Samuels (133* off 156) drove West Indies to a formidable total of 372/2. Zimbabwe, in response, managed 289 runs, and West Indies emerged victorious by 73 runs (DLS method).
3. Virender Sehwag (140 balls) vs WI, 2011
- Runs: 219
- Match: India vs. West Indies
- Total Runs: India 418/5, West Indies 265
- Result: India won by 153 runs
- Location: Indore, India
Virender Sehwag, known for his fearless approach to batting, etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a scintillating double century against the West Indies. In December 2011, in Indore, Sehwag scored his maiden double century in ODIs. He reached the milestone in just 140 balls, ultimately accumulating 219 runs off 149 deliveries. Sehwag’s innings comprised seven sixes and a whopping 25 fours, a testament to his aggressive style. India amassed an imposing total of 418/5, and West Indies were bowled out for 265 runs, resulting in a resounding 153-run victory for India.
4. Shubman Gill (145 balls) vs NZ, 2023
- Runs: 208
- Match: India vs. New Zealand
- Total Runs: India 349/8, New Zealand 337
- Result: India won by 12 runs
- Location: Hyderabad, India
Shubman Gill, one of India’s emerging talents, joined the elite club of ODI double centurions with a spectacular performance against New Zealand in Hyderabad in January 2023. Gill’s sublime innings of 208 runs off 149 balls included nine sixes and 19 fours. Notably, he lacked substantial support from his teammates, as the next highest score was 31 by Suryakumar Yadav. India posted a competitive total of 349/8, and New Zealand made a valiant effort but fell short by 12 runs, managing 337 runs in response. Gill’s innings showcased his potential to dominate international cricket in the years to come.
5. Sachin Tendulkar (147 balls) vs SA, 2010
- Runs: 200*
- Match: India vs. South Africa
- Total Runs: India 401/3, South Africa 248
- Result: India won by 153 runs
- Location: Gwalior, India
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” was the first player to breach the 200-run mark in an ODI innings. He achieved this historic feat against South Africa in February 2010, in Gwalior. Tendulkar’s double century came in just 147 balls, as he compiled 200 not out. His innings featured 25 fours and three sixes, exemplifying his unmatched mastery of the game. India amassed a formidable total of 401/3, and South Africa were bowled out for 248 runs. India emerged victorious by 153 runs, with Tendulkar’s extraordinary innings being the highlight of the match.
6. Fakhar Zaman (148 balls) vs ZIM, 2018
- Runs: 210*
- Match: Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe
- Total Runs: Pakistan 399/1, Zimbabwe 155
- Result: Pakistan won by 244 runs
- Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s swashbuckling opener, etched his name in cricket history with a splendid double century against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in July 2018. Zaman’s aggressive batting style was on full display as he crafted a 148-ball 200. During his innings, he partnered with Imam-ul-Haq (133) to add a staggering 304 runs for the opening wicket. Zaman finished his innings unbeaten with 210 runs off 156 balls, punctuated by 24 fours and five sixes. Pakistan posted an imposing total of 399/1, and Zimbabwe could only muster 155 runs in response, resulting in a convincing 244-run victory for Pakistan.
7. Rohit Sharma (151 balls) vs SL, 2014:
- Runs: 264
- Match: India vs. Sri Lanka
- Total Runs: India 404/5, Sri Lanka 251
- Result: India won by 153 runs
- Location: Eden Gardens, India
Rohit Sharma 264 Rohit Sharma 264 vs Sri Lanka. (Image Source: BCCI) Two out of three double centuries for Rohit Sharma came against Sri Lanka. His first double century against Sri Lanka came in November 2014 at Eden Gardens when he smashed the highest individual score of all-time in ODIs. Rohit scored a 151-ball 200 and made 264 runs off 173 balls, including 33 fours and nine sixes. India made 404/5 and dismissed Sri Lanka for 251 to win by 153 runs.
8. Rohit Sharma (151 balls) vs SL, 2017
- Runs: 208*
- Match: India vs. Sri Lanka
- Total Runs: India 392/4, Sri Lanka 251/8
- Result: India won by 141 runs
- Location: Mohali, India
Rohit Sharma, often referred to as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, notched up his third double century in ODIs in December 2017, facing Sri Lanka in Mohali. In a breathtaking innings, Sharma reached his double century in 151 balls, ultimately amassing an unbeaten 208 runs off 153 deliveries. His innings featured 13 fours and 12 sixes, showcasing his remarkable power-hitting ability. India set a daunting target of 392/4, and Sri Lanka could only manage 251/8 in response, resulting in a comprehensive 141-run victory for India.
9. Martin Guptill (153 balls) vs WI, 2015
- Runs: 237*
- Match: New Zealand vs. West Indies
- Total Runs: New Zealand 393/6, West Indies 250
- Result: New Zealand won by 143 runs
- Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Martin Guptill, the explosive New Zealand opener, made history during the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal clash against West Indies in Wellington. Guptill became the first Kiwi batsman to score a double century in ODIs, achieving the feat in 153 balls. His innings culminated in an unbeaten 237 runs off 163 deliveries, embellished with 24 fours and 11 sixes. New Zealand posted a formidable total of 393/6 and went on to dismiss West Indies for 250 runs, securing a resounding 143-run victory.
10. Rohit Sharma (156 balls) vs AUS, 2013
- Runs: 209
- Match: India vs. Australia
- Total Runs: India 383/6, Australia 326
- Result: India won by 57 runs
- Location: Bengaluru, India
Rohit Sharma’s journey to becoming one of ODI cricket’s premier opening batsmen was punctuated by a remarkable double century against Australia in Bengaluru in November 2013. This series-decider match witnessed Sharma’s explosive batting, as he reached his double century in 156 balls. His final tally stood at 209 runs off 158 balls, featuring 12 fours and 16 sixes. India amassed a formidable total of 383/6, and Australia could only manage 326 all out, resulting in a 57-run victory for India. This innings marked Sharma’s ascent to ODI greatness, making him one of the most prolific run-scorers in the format.
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Conclusion
The quest for the fastest double centuries in ODI cricket has witnessed some of the most breathtaking and audacious batting displays in the history of the sport. From Chris Gayle’s explosive power to Sachin Tendulkar’s unparalleled finesse, these innings have redefined the boundaries of what is possible in the limited-overs format. As young talents like Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill carry the torch forward, the world of cricket eagerly awaits the next record-breaking double century that will leave fans in awe and admiration.
