Which Cricketer Scored the First ODI Double Century in 1997?
Introduction
The world of One Day International (ODI) cricket witnessed a revolutionary moment in 1997 that changed the dynamics of limited-overs cricket forever. A record that had long seemed unachievable was finally shattered. But which cricketer scored the first ODI double century in 1997? The answer is Belinda Clark, the legendary Australian women’s cricket captain, who etched her name in the history books with an unforgettable innings.
Belinda Clark – The Pioneer of the ODI Double Century
Who is Belinda Clark?
Belinda Clark is an iconic figure in the world of women’s cricket. Born on September 10, 1970, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, Clark made her debut in international cricket in 1991. Over the course of her illustrious career, she captained the Australian women’s cricket team with distinction and was known for her aggressive batting style, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Clark’s contribution to women’s cricket is immeasurable, but her 1997 record-breaking performance elevated her status to a global cricketing legend.
The Historic Innings – 229* vs Denmark
Date and Venue
- Date: December 16, 1997
- Venue: MIG Ground, Bandra, Mumbai, India
- Event: Women’s Cricket World Cup 1997
During a group-stage match of the 1997 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Australia faced Denmark — a team that was relatively new and inexperienced at the international level. Belinda Clark seized the opportunity to demonstrate just how dominant women’s cricket could be.
Match Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Australia Women vs Denmark Women |
| Tournament | 1997 Women’s World Cup |
| Venue | MIG Ground, Mumbai |
| Result | Australia won by 363 runs |
| Belinda Clark’s Score | 229* (155 balls) |
Clark’s innings of 229 not out off 155 balls included 22 fours and came at a strike rate of 147.74. Her innings powered Australia to a massive total of 412/3 in 50 overs — one of the highest team totals in women’s ODI cricket at the time.
Why This Innings Was Historic
First-Ever Double Century in ODI Cricket (Men’s or Women’s)
Belinda Clark’s 229* was not only a record in women’s cricket but also marked the first double century in ODI cricket history, across both men’s and women’s formats. This historic feat predated Sachin Tendulkar’s famous 200* in 2010 by more than 12 years.
A Trailblazer Moment
Before Clark’s innings, scores over 175 in ODIs were considered rare. Her performance broke that psychological barrier and proved that a double century was achievable in the 50-over format.
Comparison: Belinda Clark vs Other ODI Double Centurions
| Player | Score | Opponent | Year | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belinda Clark | 229* | Denmark | 1997 | Women |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 200* | South Africa | 2010 | Men |
| Rohit Sharma | 264 | Sri Lanka | 2014 | Men |
| Amelia Kerr | 232* | Ireland | 2018 | Women |
Clark was the first to reach this milestone and remains a benchmark for excellence in ODI batting.
Legacy of Belinda Clark’s Double Century
Recognition and Honors
Belinda Clark’s innings not only created history but also elevated the status of women’s cricket globally. She received several accolades including:
- Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2000
- Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame in 2011
- Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2014
- Statue Unveiled at SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) in 2023 – the first statue of a female cricketer anywhere in the world
Impact on Women’s Cricket
Clark’s 229* became a beacon of possibility. It inspired a new generation of women cricketers who started believing in achieving big scores in limited-overs cricket.
Her record stood unchallenged in women’s ODIs for over 21 years until it was broken by Amelia Kerr of New Zealand in 2018.
Why the 1997 Double Century is Still Relevant Today
In the age of power-hitting, T20 leagues, and data analytics, Belinda Clark’s 229* remains one of the most pure, skillful, and commanding innings in the annals of ODI cricket. It was crafted in an era without powerplays, fielding restrictions, or boundary ropes pulled in — making it all the more impressive.
FAQs
Who scored the first-ever double century in ODI cricket?
Belinda Clark of Australia, in 1997, against Denmark in the Women’s World Cup.
When did a male cricketer first score a double century in ODIs?
Sachin Tendulkar was the first male cricketer to score an ODI double century, achieving the milestone in 2010.
Has anyone scored more than 229* in women’s ODI cricket?
Yes, Amelia Kerr of New Zealand scored 232 against Ireland in 2018*, surpassing Belinda Clark’s record.
How many women have scored double centuries in ODIs?
As of 2025, only two women — Belinda Clark and Amelia Kerr — have scored double centuries in women’s ODI cricket.
Suggested Articles
- In What Year Was the First-Ever Women’s ODI World Cup Played?
- Who has the record for scoring the most runs in one over in Test cricket?
