Top Batters With 200 In World Cups

image-lopj2rnrGlenn Maxwell produced a knock for the ages (Twitter)

In the high-octane world of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, few feats capture the imagination quite like a batsman scoring a double century. This rare achievement represents not only personal brilliance but also a momentous occasion in the sport's history. The ICC World Cup, cricket's most prestigious tournament, has witnessed its fair share of extraordinary performances, but only a select few have scaled the summit of a double century.


Three batters have scored double hundreds in World Cups

Among these, the knocks of Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, and, most recently, Glenn Maxwell stand out as epitomes of batting excellence. These innings are not just about the scoring of runs; they are knocks of dominance, skill, and the evolving art of batting in limited-overs cricket. While over 11 double centuries have been scored in men's ODI cricket, it's proof of the pressure and intensity of the World Cup that only three have been achieved in its history.

Each of these innings came under different circumstances, against different opponents, and on different stages of the World Cup, yet they all share a common thread of exceptional batting skills and mental strength. Here’s a detailed look at the three batters with 200 in World Cups.


1. Chris Gayle: 215 vs Zimbabwe

(World Cup 2015)

image-lopj3m6rChris Gayle (Twitter)

Chris Gayle's magnificent 215 against Zimbabwe in the World Cup 2015 was a tour de force of aggressive batting. Playing at Canberra, Gayle unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smacking 16 sixes and 10 fours in an innings that spanned just 147 balls. This historic innings was the first double-century in World Cup history, a monumental feat that shattered numerous records and set a new benchmark for power-hitting in ODIs. 

Gayle's innings not only propelled West Indies to a massive total of 372/2 but also served as a demoralizing blow to the Zimbabwean bowlers, who seemed helpless in the wake of his onslaught. His double century was a defining moment in the tournament which showed his ability to dominate bowling attacks and his liking for big-match performances. In response, Zimbabwe skittled out for 289 in this rain-affected game as West Indies won the match by 73 runs.


2. Martin Guptill: 237* vs West Indies

(World Cup 2015)

image-lopj58p2Martin Guptill (Twitter)

Martin Guptill's 237* against West Indies in the same tournament was an exemplar of batting excellence. Played in Wellington, this innings stands out not just for its sheer volume of runs but for the manner in which Guptill paced his innings. He began cautiously, steadily building his innings, and then unfurled an array of stunning shots towards the end, hitting 24 fours and 11 sixes. His unbeaten 237 remains the highest individual score in World Cup history and the second highest in ODIs. 

Guptill's innings was a masterclass in how to build an ODI innings. It was instrumental in New Zealand posting an intimidating total of 393/6, paving the way for a decisive victory by 143 runs as the Caribbean side was bowled out for 25-. Guptill's performance in the World Cup 2015 was an attestation to his skill, temperament, and ability to rise to the occasion.


3. Glenn Maxwell: 201* vs Afghanistan

(World Cup 2023)

image-lopl8y6sMaxwell hit 201* off 128 balls against Afghanistan (AP Photo)

Glenn Maxwell's astonishing innings of 201* against Afghanistan at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium during the ICC World Cup 2023 was nothing short of a cricketing marvel. In a dramatic match that saw the Australian team in dire straits at 91/7 in the 19th over as they chased a 292-run target, Maxwell emerged as the unlikely saviour, turning the tide in an extraordinary display of skill, determination, and raw power. Battling physical discomfort and cramps, he went beyond the typical expectations of an ODI innings, focusing less on running between the wickets and more on delivering an onslaught of boundary shots. 

His performance under such challenging conditions - both physically and in terms of the match situation - not only steered Australia to a competitive total but also injected a sense of belief and momentum into the team, ultimately paving the way for their entry into the semi-finals of the World Cup.