Batsmen with Double Hundreds in ODI World Cups
The cricketing world has been witness to numerous historic moments and record-breaking performances over the years. One of the most remarkable feats in the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket is the achievement of scoring a double hundred in a Cricket World Cup match.
It is a testament to a batsman’s skill, composure, and ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stage of ODI cricket. Let’s take a closer look at the elite group of batters who have achieved this extraordinary milestone in the history of the Cricket World Cup.
Chris Gayle (215) vs Zimbabwe – 2015
In the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, the West Indies’ power-hitting sensation, Chris Gayle, left an indelible mark with his awe-inspiring innings of 215 runs against Zimbabwe.
This monumental knock, played at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on February 24, 2015, not only showcased Gayle’s incredible hitting prowess but also demonstrated his ability to dominate the world’s best bowlers on cricket’s grandest stage. Gayle’s 147-ball masterpiece featured 16 boundaries and a staggering 10 towering sixes, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in a 50-over game.
His innings remain the highest individual score in a World Cup match, a testament to his ability to decimate bowling attacks.
Martin Guptill (237*) vs West Indies – 2015
During the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-final clash against the West Indies, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill etched his name into the cricketing annals with an astonishing innings that will forever be etched in fans’ memories.
Guptill’s monumental knock of 237* runs not only catapulted him to the pinnacle of the highest individual scores in World Cup history but also played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s commanding victory. Guptill’s innings, played at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on March 21, 2015, was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
His 163-ball marathon featured an impressive array of shots, including 24 boundaries and 11 towering sixes. The right-hander showcased remarkable composure and skill, dismantling the West Indies bowling attack with consummate ease.
Glenn Maxwell (201*) vs Afghanistan – 2023
Glenn Maxwell’s sensational unbeaten 201 runs in the 2023 Cricket World Cup will forever be etched in cricketing history. In a thrilling encounter against Afghanistan, Maxwell’s breathtaking performance not only secured a remarkable three-wicket victory for Australia but also solidified his place in the record books.
His innings marked the highest individual score in an ODI run-chase and the first double-century by an Australian batsman in a World Cup match. Maxwell’s heroic innings, played under intense pressure, saw him gradually accelerate his scoring rate after Australia had stumbled to 91/7 while chasing 292. His 128-ball masterpiece included a remarkable 21 fours and 10 towering sixes, all struck at an impressive strike rate of 157.03.
These three extraordinary performances represent the pinnacle of individual excellence in ODI World Cup cricket. They not only define the skill and determination of these remarkable cricketers but also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring batters around the world. Achieving a double hundred in a Cricket World Cup match is a feat that transcends the sport, leaving an enduring legacy and enriching the history of ODI cricket.