- By Shailvee Tiwari
- Mon, 19 May 2025 12:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Today's Google Googly: A memorable event that would inspire future generations occurred in cricket back in 1997. Although most cricket fans think of famous players like Sachin Tendulkar when they think of double hundreds in One-Day Internationals, few know that the first player to ever reach that milestone wasn’t a man, it was a woman. And her name was Belinda Clark.
The Day History Was Made:
Australia played Denmark in a group match at the Women's Cricket World Cup in Mumbai, India, on December 16, 1997. Few anticipated fireworks from the match, but the cricketing world was taken aback by what transpired. The Australian women's team's captain at the time, Belinda Clark, took the pitch and played an innings that would never be forgotten. She hit 22 boundaries, amassed an undefeated 229 runs off just 155 balls, and guided her team to an overwhelming 412/3 in 50 overs. Her batting was clean, confident, and elegant. Clark broke through that barrier and redefined what was possible at a time when it was uncommon to score even 175 in an ODI.
Who Is Belinda Clark?
Belinda Clark is not just a former cricket player but a legend. She began her international career in 1991 after being born in Newcastle, Australia, and soon established herself as a formidable leader and fearless batter. As captain, she always strived for perfection and led with poise and assurance. She became well-known in cricket circles worldwide, however, especially because of this one innings in 1997.
Why Her 229* Still Matters?
Clark's 229*, the first-ever ODI double century, was more than just a women's cricket record. Long before any male player ever reached a double century, it was the first in the history of ODI cricket. To put it in perspective, Sachin Tendulkar's renowned 200 occurred in 2010, more than 12 years later. Her performance demonstrated that women's cricket could rival men's in terms of excitement, dominance, and competition.
A Legacy That Lives On:
Before being broken in 2018 by Amelia Kerr of New Zealand, Belinda Clark's 229* stood tall for more than 20 years. However, her knock is still remembered today for more than just the runs; it also symbolises a daring, historic moment for women in sports.