Belinda Clark – The First Cricketer to Score a Double Century in ODIs
A Historic Moment in Cricket (1997)
In 1997, something amazing happened in One Day International (ODI) cricket. A record that seemed impossible was finally broken. The first-ever double century in ODI cricket was scored — not by a male cricketer, but by Belinda Clark, the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team. This was a game-changing moment in the history of cricket.
Who Is Belinda Clark?
Belinda Clark is one of the greatest names in women’s cricket. She was born on September 10, 1970, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. She made her international debut in 1991 and went on to become a strong leader and an outstanding batter.
Her biggest achievement came in 1997, when she made cricket history with an incredible innings.
The Record-Breaking Innings – 229* vs Denmark
Date: December 16, 1997
Venue: MIG Ground, Bandra, Mumbai, India
Event: 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup
Australia was playing against Denmark, a less experienced team, during a group match in the Women’s World Cup. Belinda Clark used this opportunity to show the world what women’s cricket was capable of.
Match Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Australia Women vs Denmark Women |
| Tournament | 1997 Women’s World Cup |
| Result | Australia won by 363 runs |
| Clark’s Score | 229* off 155 balls |
| Boundaries | 22 fours |
| Strike Rate | 147.74 |
| Australia’s Total | 412/3 in 50 overs |
Clark’s unbeaten 229 helped Australia reach a huge total and win the match easily. This was one of the highest scores in women’s ODI history at the time.
Why This Innings Was Special
First double century in ODI cricket – Clark was the first cricketer (man or woman) to score 200+ in an ODI.
Changed the game forever – Her innings showed that scoring a double century in 50 overs was possible.
Ahead of her time – She achieved this before powerplays, short boundaries, or modern cricket gear.
Comparing Clark with Other ODI Double Centurions
| Player | Score | Opponent | Year | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Legacy of Clark’s Double Century
Awards and Recognition:
Honored with the Order of Australia (AM) in 2000
Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2011
Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2014
In 2023, a statue of Clark was placed at the Sydney Cricket Ground — the first female cricketer to receive this honor.
Impact on Women’s Cricket
Belinda Clark’s 229* inspired many young girls to dream big in cricket. It proved that women’s cricket could be just as exciting and powerful as men’s. Her record stood for 21 years, until Amelia Kerr of New Zealand scored 232 in 2018.
Why This Innings Still Matters Today
Even with the rise of T20 cricket, big-hitters, and advanced strategies, Clark’s innings in 1997 stands out. She didn’t rely on short boundaries or heavy bats — just pure skill and smart batting.
FAQs
Q: Who scored the first double century in ODI cricket?
A: Belinda Clark of Australia, in 1997, against Denmark.
Q: When did a male cricketer first score 200 in ODIs?
A: Sachin Tendulkar scored 200* in 2010 against South Africa.
Q: Who broke Clark’s record in women’s ODIs?
A: Amelia Kerr scored 232* against Ireland in 2018.
Q: How many women have scored double centuries in ODIs?
A: As of 2025, only two women — Belinda Clark and Amelia Kerr.
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