Cricket: Counting down to the elusive ODI double-century

Twelve years ago, Pakistan's brilliant left-hand opener Saeed Anwar thumped 194 off only 146 balls against India at Chennai.

That's the closest anyone has come to hitting an ODI double-century.

Seven men have made it into the 180s, including West Indian great Viv Richards, who did it twice.

New Zealand's best is Lou Vincent's 172 against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo four years ago.

So can the barrier be broken? Of course, say two of the game's finest attacking openers.

Had India batted first and Virendar Sehwag gone about his business as he did in Hamilton on Wednesday night, he'd surely have done it.

He finished on 125 not out off only 74 balls in the 24th over of India's innings.

He has no doubt 200 will be breached - and he thinks he knows where.

"In New Zealand, yes, because you have small grounds," he said after his thunderous assault.

"Sachin, if he had batted the last five overs (in Christchurch last Sunday when he retired hurt on 163 off 133 balls), he would have been very close. You never know. Matthew Hayden got 180-something (181 not out in Hamilton two years ago) here. He was close too."

New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum predicted that once someone reached 200, a mini-floodgate could open.

"It's one of those things. Everyone holds it in such a high regard it's almost unachievable at the moment.

"But wickets are getting better, boundaries shorter and with power plays there are a lot more things available to maximise down the order, or later in the game."

McCullum, too, thought Tendulkar was a royal chance had a stomach muscle strain not stopped him in his tracks in Christchurch.

He believes Twenty20 cricket has opened batsmen's eyes to what might be possible.

And who might be first across the line?

"Chris Gayle, Sehwag, Tendulkar - there's plenty round the world who dominate attacks."