On This Day, 18 Jan 2023, Shubman Gill achieves Record-Breaking Maiden Double ODI Century against New Zealand

On January 18, 2023, Shubman Gill made history by scoring a magnificent double century in a One Day International (ODI) match against New Zealand. This extraordinary feat not only showcased Gill's immense talent but also solidified his position as one of the most promising young cricketers in the world. In this article, we will delve into the details of Gill's record-breaking innings, highlighting the key moments and statistics that made this achievement so remarkable.

Shubman Gill, the 23-year-old Indian opening batter, displayed his masterful batting skills during the ODI match against New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Gill's double century not only made him the youngest player to achieve this milestone but also catapulted him into an elite group of Indian cricketers who have achieved this feat.

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A Historic Achievement

Gill's double century marked a significant moment in Indian cricket history. Not only did he become the youngest player to reach this milestone, but he also surpassed his teammate Ishan Kishan's recent record of the fastest-ever double century in men's ODI cricket. Gill achieved this feat at the age of 23 years and 132 days, surpassing Kishan's record of 24 years and 145 days.

The Journey to 200 Runs

Batting first, Gill showcased his exceptional batting prowess and dominated the New Zealand bowlers throughout his innings. With a combination of aggressive strokeplay and elegant shot selection, he blazed his way to a monumental total of 208 runs off just 149 balls. His innings included an impressive tally of 19 boundaries and nine towering sixes.

Gill's journey to 200 runs was a display of pure skill and determination. After reaching his century off just 87 balls, he accelerated his scoring rate and went on to score his double century in style. With three consecutive sixes off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson, Gill etched his name in the record books.

Exclusive Company

With his double century, Shubman Gill joined an illustrious group of Indian cricketers who have achieved this rare feat. The only other Indian players to have scored an ODI double century are Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Shikhar Dhawan. Rohit Sharma leads the pack with three double hundreds, while the others have recorded one each.

Fastest Indian to 1000 ODI Runs

In addition to his double century, Gill also achieved another significant milestone during his innings last year in 2023. He became the fastest Indian player to score 1000 ODI runs, surpassing the previous record held by Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. Gill achieved this feat in just 19 innings, surpassing Kohli and Dhawan's record of 24 innings.

Overall, Gill is the second-fastest player to reach 1000 ODI runs, trailing behind Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman, who accomplished the feat in 18 innings.

Impactful Opening Partnership

Gill's innings was not only characterized by individual brilliance but also by his crucial partnership with skipper Rohit Sharma. The duo shared a 60-run opening stand, setting the stage for Gill's explosive innings. Their partnership provided a solid foundation for India's imposing total of 349 for eight.

The Bowling Challenge

The New Zealand bowlers faced a daunting task as they tried to contain Gill's onslaught. Daryl Mitchell and Henry Shipley were the most successful bowlers for the visitors, picking up two wickets each. However, their efforts were in vain as Gill's relentless attack propelled India to a commanding position.

Conclusion

Shubman Gill's record-breaking double century in the ODI match against New Zealand will be remembered as one of the most remarkable innings in Indian cricket history. The young batsman's exceptional talent, combined with his fearless approach, allowed him to dominate the opposition and achieve a feat that only a select few have accomplished. Gill's innings exemplified his immense potential and cemented his place as one of the brightest stars in the cricketing world.

As we look ahead, it is evident that Shubman Gill has a promising future ahead of him. His record-breaking performance serves as a testament to his skill and determination, and cricket fans around the world eagerly await his future exploits on the international stage.