Did You Know: Sachin Tendulkar Is Not The First Batter To Score An ODI Double Hundred
Clark's influence extended beyond the boundary ropes. From being the CEO of Women's Cricket Australia to receiving the Order of Australia in 2000, she cemented her status as a trailblazer both on and off the field.
The landscape of women's cricket is adorned with milestones, and one that often slips under the radar is Belinda Clark's monumental innings of 229* in the ICC Women's World Cup in 1997. While Sachin Tendulkar's ODI double hundred is widely celebrated, it's crucial to acknowledge that Belinda Clark set this extraordinary record 13 years prior. Let's delve into the groundbreaking innings that shaped the course of women's cricket.
In the historic encounter against Denmark at Bandra's Middle Income Group (MIG) Ground, Mumbai, Belinda Clark exhibited cricketing prowess that was ahead of its time. Her unbeaten 229 off 155 balls, comprising 22 fours, marked the first-ever double-century in women's ODI cricket. The innings not only set a new benchmark but also propelled Australia to an imposing total of 412/3, a rarity in the late '90s.
Clark's remarkable feat predates Sachin Tendulkar's iconic 200* by 13 years, underscoring her status as the true pioneer of ODI double centuries. The innings showcased not only her boundary-hitting prowess but also her exceptional running between the wickets, a facet often overlooked.