Shikhar Dhawan says Sachin, Sehwag double centuries better than his

He might have missed out on the world record for the highest list A (limited-overs cricket) score, but India A batsman Shikhar Dhawan is not complaining and is to be only the third Indian cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag to score a double hundred in a 50-over game.

"I was aware of the record and it felt really special to score these runs," Dhawan told bcci.tv after India A's 39-run win over South Africa A, which took them to the tri-series final against Australia A.

"When I got out in the 44th over it occurred to me that had I batted till the end I had a chance to score a triple hundred. I am happy with what I scored though," he said.

"It did cross my mind that I joined Sachin 'paaji' and Viru 'paaji' in scoring a double century in a one-day game," he added.

Dhawan toppled quite a few batting records en route to a 150-ball knock of 248. He overtook Virender Sehwag's 219 in an ODI against West Indies in 2011 to register the highest List A score by an Indian.

Dhawan's 248 is also the second highest List A score of all time, after England batsman Alistair Brown's 268 for Surrey vs Glamorgan at The Oval in 2002.

"I especially enjoyed it as it came against a South African side in their own backyard. They are very tough to play at home and they play good quality cricket," Dhawan said.

However, the left-handed opener said Sachin and Sehwag's double centuries were more important in the context of their respective games.

"...those were two of the greatest innings in cricket history and they came at the international level. So, they are much bigger than my innings," Dhawan said.

"I've always loved watching them bat. But I love my batting as well. So, it's difficult for me to pick a favourite knock out of the three," he added.

This year, Dhawan has scored four international centuries -- one in Tests and three in ODIs -- and was named Man of the Series in India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign.

"I had scored 85 in the previous match (vs Australia A) and I wanted to score a big hundred for the team because our batsmen were all getting out in the 80s and 90s," he said.

"A big century was necessary for setting a good total. Once I crossed 100, I was in a different flow. I thought my shot selection was excellent and things went my way," he added.

"This will remain one of my favourite matches because I scored 200 for the first time in a 50-over game. Unfortunately it wasn't broadcast live on television but that's fine because I loved batting," concluded Dhawan.