Fastest Double Century in ODI Cricket: Records, Stats & History

Scoring a double century in odi (One Day Internationals) was once thought to be impossible, but modern-day batting has completely redefined the limits of the game. From Sachin Tendulkar’s historic first double ton in 2010 to Ishan Kishan’s lightning-fast 200 in just 126 balls, ODI cricket has witnessed some unforgettable innings that have changed how we look at limited-overs batting. In this blog, we’ll explore the fastest 200 in ODI cricket, highlighting the players, their records, and the impact these innings have had on the sport.

History of 200 in ODI Cricket

When One Day Internationals began in the 1970s, even a century was considered a match-winning feat. For decades, the idea of scoring 200 runs in a single ODI innings seemed out of reach. The milestone of a double century in ODIs was first achieved in February 2010, when Sachin Tendulkar reached 200 runs against South Africa in Gwalior, setting a record that had never been seen before in one-day cricket. 

His knock opened the floodgates for aggressive batting, and soon others followed—Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle, and more. Today, a 200 is no longer just a dream but a landmark that defines batting greatness in modern cricket.

List of Fastest Double Century in ODI Cricket

When a batsman scores a double century in ODIs, it’s already a historic feat. But when it comes at a blistering pace, it becomes an unforgettable spectacle. From crowd-roaring sixes to effortless boundaries, these innings have left opponents stunned and fans electrified. Below, you’ll find the complete list of the fastest double centuries ever scored in ODI cricket.

Player	Score (Balls Faced)	Balls Taken to Reach 200
Ishan Kishan	210 (131)	126
Glenn Maxwell	201* (128)	128
Pathum Nissanka	210* (139)	136
Chris Gayle	215 (147)	138
Virender Sehwag	219 (149)	140
Shubman Gill	208 (153)	145
Sachin Tendulkar	200* (147)	147
Fakhar Zaman	210* (163)	148
Rohit Sharma	264 (173)	151
Rohit Sharma	208* (153)	151
Martin Guptill	237* (163)	153
Rohit Sharma	209 (158)	156

Ishan Kishan

In December 2022, Ishan Kishan stunned fans with the fastest double century in ODI cricket, scoring 210 runs from just 131 balls against Bangladesh and reaching 200 in only 126 deliveries.Facing Bangladesh, the young Indian opener reached 200 in just 126 balls and went on to score 210 from 131 deliveries. His fearless stroke play, filled with towering sixes and cracking boundaries, redefined what fans expect from ODI batting and set a record that may take years to break.

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell produced one of the greatest ODI knocks when he smashed 201 from 128 balls against Afghanistan* in the 2023 World Cup. Battling cramps and chasing a big total, Maxwell reached his 200 in just 128 balls, making it one of the fastest double centuries in ODI cricket. His heroic innings rescued Australia from a tough position and is remembered as one of the most entertaining performances in World Cup history.

Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka’s innings of 210 from 139 balls* against Afghanistan was a masterclass in modern ODI batting. Reaching his double century in just 136 balls, he set one of the fastest double centuries in ODI cricket history. His fearless approach and ability to dominate bowlers made this knock unforgettable for Sri Lankan cricket fans.

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, the “Universe Boss,” delivered a spectacular performance against Zimbabwe in 2015. He scored 215 from 147 balls, reaching his double century in just 138 balls, making it one of the fastest 200 in ODI cricket. With towering sixes and crisp boundaries, Gayle’s knock remains one of the most iconic and entertaining innings in ODI history.

Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag’s innings of 219 against the West Indies is celebrated as a stunning display of aggressive stroke play and dominance over the bowlers. Reaching his double century in just 140 balls, he recorded one of the fastest double centuries in ODI cricket. With a mix of elegant timing and sheer aggression, Sehwag showed the world how to dominate an ODI innings from the very first over.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill’s explosive 208 from 153 balls against New Zealand in 2023 was a masterclass in modern ODI batting. He brought up his double century in just 145 balls, making it one of the fastest double century in ODI cricket. With precise boundaries and clever placement, Gill’s innings demonstrated both elegance and attacking brilliance.

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010 was a historic moment for cricket. Over the course of 147 balls, he expertly paced his innings, combining precise shot selection with patience, and became the first player in ODI history to reach a double century. His innings not only thrilled fans but also inspired a generation of cricketers to push the limits of the game.

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman made headlines on 20 July 2018 when he scored 210 from 163 balls against Zimbabwe* in Bulawayo. His aggressive batting helped Pakistan post a huge total, and reaching his double century showcased his ability to dominate bowlers over a long innings.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is the only player in ODI history to score three double centuries, a remarkable feat that showcases his consistency and ability to dominate bowling attacks. His first double century came against Australia in Bengaluru (2013), where he scored 209 runs from 158 balls, pacing the innings beautifully while hitting powerful boundaries. 

The second, and most famous, was his record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata (2014), where he smashed 33 fours and 9 sixes, achieving the highest individual score in ODI cricket. His third double century, *208 against Sri Lanka in Mohali (2017)**, demonstrated his skill in pacing a long innings while maintaining a high strike rate. 

Across all these innings, Rohit’s trademark calmness, ability to pick gaps, and explosive stroke play made him a nightmare for bowlers and a joy for fans. These performances not only set records but also redefined what an ODI double century could look like—combining endurance, aggression, and perfect shot selection.

Final Words

The journey of achieving a double century in ODIs has evolved from being a rare milestone to a symbol of modern batting brilliance. From Sachin Tendulkar’s historic first double ton to Ishan Kishan’s record-breaking 126-ball feat, each innings has showcased skill, power, and determination at the highest level. These legendary knocks not only entertain fans but also inspire the next generation of cricketers to dream bigger and bat fearlessly. As ODI cricket continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the thrill of witnessing a double century will always remain one of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.

FAQs

1. Who scored the first double century in ODI cricket?

Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to score a double century in ODI cricket, making 200 against South Africa* on 24 February 2010.

2. Who holds the record for the fastest double century in ODI cricket?

Ishan Kishan holds the record, scoring 210 from 131 balls against Bangladesh in December 2022 and reaching his 200 in just 126 balls.

3. How many players have scored double centuries in ODI cricket?

As of now, 12 men’s ODI double centuries have been recorded, including multiple by Rohit Sharma, and a few by other players like Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, and Ishan Kishan.

4. Which innings is considered the highest individual score in ODI cricket?

Rohit Sharma’s 264-run innings against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score ever recorded in ODI cricket.

5. Are there any women cricketers who have scored double centuries in ODIs?

Yes, Belinda Clark (229)* and Amelia Kerr (232)* have both scored double centuries in women’s ODI cricket.

6. What makes a double century in ODIs so special?

A double century is rare because it requires both skill and endurance to score 200+ runs in a 50-over match, often changing the course of the game and setting records that are remembered for decades.