The Indian Captain, the Hitman, Rohit Sharma, made history as he smashed the fastest century ever scored by an Indian in a World Cup match, leading his team to a big 8-wicket victory against Afghanistan.
The dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and local hero Virat Kohli powered India to a resounding victory on a batting-friendly track at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Rohit Sharma slammed his seventh World Cup century. This incredible milestone marks his 31st century in ODIs, and placed him in third place on the all-time ODI centuries list, behind the legends Sachin Tendulkar (49) and his teammate Virat Kohli (47).
Rohit’s scintillating innings of 100 not out off just 63 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He found the boundary ropes seven times and sent the ball sailing over the fence twice.
The stadium echoed with roars of admiration as Rohit reached his half-century in a mere 30 balls, the second-fastest in this World Cup. The second half of his innings was equally spectacular, marked by five more boundaries and two towering sixes.
His third six during the innings not only added to his tally but also surpassed Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes in international cricket.
Rohit’s partner in the chase, Ishan Kishan, contributed a well-played 47 off 47 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. The pair set a mad pace, notching up 50 runs in just 37 balls. The next 50 runs came even quicker, in just 34 balls.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium, buzzing with excitement, witnessed a partnership that perfectly blended both young and seasoned expertise.
After Kishan’s departure in the 19th over, Virat Kohli, the hometown hero, made his way to the crease. The crowd erupted in cheers as he took his stance. Rohit continued his relentless assault on the bowlers, adding 29 runs from the next 19 balls.
The partnership between Kohli and Rohit yielded 49 runs off 42 balls for the second wicket. Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, bowled by Rashid Khan, marked a brilliant innings that had already made history.
Virat Kohli remained unbeaten with 55 off 56 balls, featuring six fours. His poise and experience played a pivotal role in guiding India to victory. Shreyas Iyer, with his unbeaten 25 and a colossal 101-meter six, contributed to India’s chase as they wrapped up the win with a whopping 90 balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan had opted to bat after winning the toss and made a cautious start. Their openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (21) and Ibrahim Zadran (22) put up 32 runs for the first wicket.
The Indian pacers initially struggled on a flat track, with Mohammed Siraj going for 76 runs from his nine overs, one of his most expensive spells in ODIs.
However, India’s bowlers clawed their way back into the game, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge. Bumrah ended with figures of 4/39, dismantling the Afghan middle order and keeping their total to 272/8.
This crucial victory catapulted India to the second spot in the ICC World Cup 2023 standings, just below New Zealand. On the other hand, Afghanistan finds itself in the tenth position.
The stage is now set for an epic clash between India and arch-rivals Pakistan, scheduled for the upcoming Sunday, while Afghanistan will face the defending champions, England, on the same day.
Cricket fans worldwide are in for a thrilling ride as the World Cup unfolds with a ton of records and unforgettable moments.
