4 Players who could score the 2nd ODI double century of 2018

When Sachin Tendulkar hit the first double century in the history of ODI cricket, it became a sensation. Virender Sehwag followed him with a quickfire 219 against West Indies at Indore in 2011. Rohit Sharma scored the 3rd ODI double century in cricket history against Australia, scoring 209 at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He then scored his second double century against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, scoring 264 runs. It is the highest individual score in the history of ODI cricket.

In the 2015 World Cup, the cricketing world experienced the first double century by players from other than India. Chris Gayle, the destructive batsman from West Indies, scored 215 against Zimbabwe at the World Cup in Canberra. Martin Guptill hit the second double century of the 2015 World cup, scoring 237 against West Indies at Wellington. His knock included 24 fours and 11 sixes.

In December 2017, Rohit Sharma ended the two and half year drought, with the seventh double century in ODIs, scoring 208 against Sri Lanka at Mohali. It was the same opponent against whom he scored 264 at the Eden Gardens.

The latest entrant to the 200 club is Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who scored 210 runs against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo. It was the first double century of 2018 and he is also the first Pakistani player to score a double century in ODIs. Let us have a look at a few players who could score the second double century of 2018.

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#4 Jonny Bairstow (England)

Jonny Bairstow

The dashing opening batsman from England made his ODI debut against India in 2011. Having scored 1962 runs from his 51 games, Bairstow has been instrumental in England's success in the recent times. His strike rate has gone up since the change in the batting order, and Bairstow has been phenomenal with the bat in the powerplay. He is an integral part of the English squad. The wicketkeeper batsman will be aiming to hit the second double century in 2018.

England will face Sri Lanka later this year, in a series which includes five ODIs. It will be interesting to see if Bairstow can become the first English player to score a double hundred.

Jonny Bairstow's ODI performance:

Matches- 51, Runs- 1962, Average- 50.31, Highest Score- 141.

#3 Quinton De Kock (South Africa)

Quinton De Kock

The South African wicketkeeper batsman is currently one of the best 'keepers going around. Quinton De Kock made his ODI debut against New Zealand in 2013, and since then he has scored 3860 runs in his 90 ODI games at an average of 45.41. He is an integral part of the South African squad. De Kock's highest ODI score came against Australia in 2016, when he scored 178 off 113 balls which included 16 fours and 11 sixes. If he scores a double century, he will be the first South African to hit a double century.

South Africa play five ODIs against Sri Lanka later this month, and three more against Zimbabwe in September. They travel to Australia in November and play three ODIs. As there are plenty of ODIs remaining for Proteas, De Kock will be aiming to score a double century.

Quinton De Kock's ODI performance:

Matches- 90, Runs- 3860, Average- 45.41, Highest Score- 178.

#2 Aaron Finch (Australia)

The Australian T20 captain scored 172 against Zimbabwe

The destructive Australian opener made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2013. Since then, he has scored 3361 runs in his 93 games. Finch recently scored the highest individual score in T20Is, and will be hoping to score Australia's first ever double century. He has already been a part of six IPL teams but had a pale IPL season this year. He is also among the names being touted as the next Australia ODI captain.

If Australia want to make a strong comeback after the ball-tampering saga, Finch needs to step in. Australia will face Pakistan in October for five ODIs, and will play South Africa and India for five and three ODIs respectively.

Aaron Finch's ODI performance:

Matches- 93, Runs- 3361, Average- 38.19, Highest Score- 148.

#1 Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma scored 264 runs against Sri Lanka

The opening batsman who made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2007. Since then he scored 6748 runs from 183 games. Rohit Sharma already scored three double centuries and will be aiming to score his fourth. Rohit holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs. He also holds the record for the most number of double centuries in ODIs.

The attacking batsman, who is known for sheer power, scored two consecutive centuries against England. India will face Australia for three ODIs later this year. Rohit Sharma might well hit the second double century in 2018.

Rohit Sharma's ODI performance:

ODI: Matches- 183, Runs- 6748, Average- 44.99, Highest Score- 264.