The only World Cup double centurions in men’s cricket

The ICC Cricket World Cup has given its fans several memorable moments in its 48-year-long history as their favourite stars brought glory to their respective nations through their stupendous performances. Over the years, numerous legendary batters have graced the field in the ODI World Cup but not many could score a double hundred in the most prestigious tournament of the sport. To date, only three batters have been able to touch the elusive 200-run mark in the ODI World Cup. On that note, let’s take a look at all three of them:

1) Chris Gayle, 215 off 147 vs Zimbabwe, Canberra 2015

After West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and elected to field first, they lost their opener Dwayne Smith on just the second ball of the over. However, following that, it was pure carnage for Zimbabwe as Chris Gayle registered the first-ever double hundred in ODI World Cup history. Coincidentally, the double hundred came on the exact same date when Sachin Tendulkar achieved the feat for the first time in Men’s ODI Cricket in 2010.

Gayle was well supported by Marlon Samuels who scored 133* (156) as the duo put on a massive 372-run stand for the second wicket off 298 balls. Their partnership is the highest stand till date in the history of ODI cricket.

2) Martin Guptill 237* (163) vs West Indies, 4th Quarterfinal Wellington, 2015

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and elected to bat first in the all-important clash and Guptill vindicated the decision by shattering record books. The Kiwi opener went on to play a breathtaking innings of 237* (163) smashing 24 fours and 11 sixes in his innings as New Zealand posted a massive total of 393/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Guptill’s innings is till date the highest individual score in ODI World Cup history.

3) Glenn Maxwell 201* (128) vs Afghanistan, Mumbai 2023

Chasing a record total of 292 at the venue, Australia were staring down the barrel at 91/7 after 18.3 overs. However, Glenn Maxwell was in no mood to surrender as he battled severe cramps and stood on one leg to smack Afghanistan bowlers all around the park. What followed was arguably the greatest-ever knock in ODI history as the swashbuckling batter became the

first batter to score a double hundred in the second innings of an ODI match. Maxwell remained unbeaten on 201* (128) smashing 21 sixes and ten fours as he helped Australia miraculously chase down the target of 292 in 26.5 overs and win the match by three wickets