While Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic ODI double century in 2010 is widely celebrated, it’s important to remember that the first instance of a 200-run mark in ODI cricket occurred much earlier, and it was achieved by a woman.
On December 16, 1997, Belinda Clark of Australia etched her name in cricketing history during an ODI against Denmark. Clark’s monumental innings of 229 not out in just 155 balls remains a landmark achievement in the world of cricket.
Clark’s dominant display saw her pulverize the Danish bowling attack, dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground with ease. Her innings comprised an astonishing 22 boundaries, propelling Australia to a mammoth total of 412/3.
At a time when men’s cricket had yet to breach the 400-run mark in ODIs, Clark’s innings stood out as a testament to her exceptional skill and batting prowess.
Twenty-five years later, Belinda Clark’s remarkable knock still holds the record for the highest individual score in women’s ODI cricket. It wasn’t until 2014, when Rohit Sharma scored 264, that her record was surpassed across both genders.
Belinda Clark’s groundbreaking achievement paved the way for future generations of cricketers and continues to inspire players around the world, reminding us of the remarkable feats accomplished by women in the sport.