New Zealand opener Chad Bowes made history by scoring the fastest double century in List A cricket during a Ford Trophy clash between Canterbury and Otago. Bowes reached the incredible milestone in just 103 balls, surpassing the previous record held by India’s Narayan Jagadeesan and Australia’s Dashing Opener Travis Head, who both completed their double centuries in 114 balls.

Playing his 100th List A match, Bowes unleashed a stunning assault, scoring 205 off 110 deliveries. His innings was studded with 27 fours and 7 sixes, propelling Canterbury to a formidable total of 343/9 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Otago was then bowled out for just 103, giving Canterbury a massive 240-run victory thanks to the Bowes record breaking inning.

Chad Bowes' innings marked a career-best performance for the Canterbury opener. His previous highest score in List A cricket was 126, but on this day, Bowes was unstoppable, dominating the Otago bowlers and setting a new standard for aggressive batting in 50-over cricket.

Bowes, who was dismissed by Matthew Bacon in the 39th over, credited his success to being in the right mindset and letting the game flow naturally.

"It might sink in over the next day or two, but obviously a great day here at Hagley and a good occasion to do something special," Bowes reflected after his innings. "These things happen naturally, organically. You do not plan for it or try to do it, so I am glad it was my day. Probably not (hit the ball) consistently that well, so it was nice to get most of them out of the middle and hit it around the park.”

The previous record for the fastest double century in List A cricket was held by India’s Narayan Jagadeesan and Australia’s Travis Head. Head set the record in the 2021-22 Marsh Cup for South Australia against Queensland, while Jagadeesan matched it in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022 for Tamil Nadu against Arunachal Pradesh. Both achieved their double centuries off 114 balls, but Bowes’ 103-ball effort now stands as the quickest in men’s List A cricket.