When Did Belinda Clark Become The First Double Centurion?

23 years back, the first double century in ODI cricket was scored. Quite contrary to the popular belief that the first double century in ODIs was scored by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, it was actually Australia’s Belinda Clark who holds the record for being the first double centurion in limited-overs cricket.

Also Read: Belinda Clark: The First Cricketer To Make A Double Century In Limited Overs Cricket

On December 16, 1997, Clark smashed a scintillating 229 off just 155 balls against a hapless Denmark at the MIG Ground, Mumbai, during the Women’s World Cup. Australia piled up 412-3 in 50 overs. In reply, Denmark were bundled out for a paltry 49, which was just one-fifth of Clark’s score. Her innings was laced with 22 boundaries. Just 88 runs came off boundaries, while the majority of the runs were made by way of running between the wickets. She was involved in a couple of century partnerships with Lisa Keightley (60) and Karen Rolton (64). The Aussie bat created history 13 years before Tendulkar who hit a double ton against South Africa in Gwalior.

That knock in a World Cup match against Denmark in Mumbai is certainly a landmark event in her stellar career. It is a world record that is bound to stand for ages and it is rather unfortunate that her remarkable achievements are hidden and overshadowed by her male counterparts.

The 1997 World Cup was a memorable one for Clark as the sprightly young captain went on to lead her side to the championship. Australia played finals against New Zealand at the Eden Gardens. The then 27 year old scored 52 in that match.

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In her illustrious career that spanned 14 years between 1991 and 2005, Clark led Australia to two World Cup wins and one final in 1994. She was named Wisden Australia Cricketer of the Year in 1998 and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2011. She was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2000 “for service to cricket, particularly through the Australian Women’s Cricket Team, and to the promotion and development of the game for women and girls.” She has also served as the CEO of Women’s Cricket Australia.

Image Credit: Belinda Clark /cricket.com.au

This article was published first on Female Cricket.