Which Cricketer Scored the First ODI Double Century in 1997?

Belinda Clark was the first cricketer to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs), achieving this historic feat on December 16, 1997, during the Women’s World Cup. She scored an unbeaten 229 runs against Denmark, making her the first—male or female—to cross the 200-run mark in ODI history.

At a time when the idea of scoring 200 runs in an ODI seemed unimaginable, Clark stunned the cricketing world with an unbeaten 229 runs off 155 balls, making it the first-ever double hundred in ODI cricket — male or female.

The Historic Innings: Belinda Clark’s 229*

In the 1997 Women’s World Cup match, Australia chose to bat first. Belinda Clark opened the innings and went on to dominate the Danish bowling attack. Her innings of 229* included 22 boundaries and showcased her impeccable timing, placement, and fitness.

Clark’s knock powered Australia to a mammoth total of 412/3 in 50 overs, which led to a crushing 363-run victory. This match became a milestone in cricket history not just for the record score, but for demonstrating the potential of women’s cricket on the global stage.

Belinda Clark: A Pioneer in Women’s Cricket

Belinda Clark is regarded as one of the finest women cricketers of all time. She captained Australia with distinction and was known for her aggressive batting, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. Her 1997 double century held the record for the highest individual score in Women’s ODIs for over two decades — until New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr surpassed it with 232* in 2018.

Belinda Clark’s ODI Career Stats

Here’s a quick overview of Belinda Clark’s career statistics in ODI cricket:

Statistics	Value
Matches Played	118
Innings Batted	114
Runs Scored	4,844
Highest Score	229*
Batting Average	47.49
100s/50s	5/30
Strike Rate	~90.0
Debut	1991
Last ODI	2005

First Male Cricketer to Score an ODI Double Century

While Belinda Clark set the record in 1997, it wasn’t until 2010 that the first male cricketer managed to score a double century in ODIs. That cricketer was Sachin Tendulkar, who made history by scoring 200 against South Africa* in Gwalior.

This moment was widely celebrated in the cricketing world, but it’s important to remember that Clark had already paved the way 13 years earlier.

Legacy of the First ODI Double Century

Belinda Clark’s double century not only carved her name into the record books but also inspired a new generation of female cricketers. Her innings challenged the norms of what was considered possible in women’s cricket and set a benchmark for excellence.

Despite the long delay before a man could match her feat, Clark’s record is often overlooked in casual conversations about cricket history — which makes it all the more important to celebrate.

Final Thoughts

So, the answer to “Which cricketer scored the first ODI double century in 1997?” is Belinda Clark, the Australian legend who created history long before many believed it was possible. Her unbeaten 229 remains one of the most iconic innings in the sport’s history.

And while Sachin Tendulkar deserves immense praise for being the first male cricketer to achieve this milestone, it was Clark who blazed the trail for others to follow.