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.
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.
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* |
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.
Looking at current batting talent, a few names stand out as strong contenders for future double tons:
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.
Sachin Tendulkar scored the first ODI double century (200*) against South Africa in 2010.
Rohit Sharma holds the record of three double centuries in ODIs.
It was none other than our Indian captain Rohit Sharma who scored 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Ishan Kishan scored a double century in just 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022, making it the fastest double century ever.
Yes, Chris Gayle (2015), Martin Guptill (2015), and Glenn Maxwell (2023) have scored double centuries in World Cup matches.
Read Next: 7 Best Finishers in Cricket History (2025)