Massive! Rohit scripts history, surpasses Gayle to pocket this record
Rohit Sharma created history in the first ODI against New Zealand by becoming the leading six-hitter among openers in ODI cricket, surpassing Chris Gayle. He also became the first player to hit 650 international sixes. Rohit scored 26 runs, while New Zealand posted 300/8 after a strong start led by their openers.
Chris Gayle and Rohit Sharma (Photos by PTI)
NEW DELHI: Indian batter Rohit Sharma created a major record during the first ODI against New Zealand. The match was played at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium. Rohit became the highest six-hitter among openers in ODI cricket as he went past West Indies legend Chris Gayle, also known as the “Universe Boss”. Rohit reached the milestone while chasing a target of 301 runs on Sunday. He opened the innings with captain Shubman Gill. India had a slow start. Rohit then hit his first six in the sixth over.
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The shot came off Ben Foulkes. In the next over, he hit another six. This time it was off Kyle Jamieson. The ball was a back-of-a-length delivery. It landed in the stands. With this shot, Rohit reached a special landmark. He completed 650 sixes in international cricket.
He became the first player in history to reach this number. The moment was celebrated by fans at the stadium and on social media. Rohit did not go on to play a long innings. He was dismissed in the ninth over. Kyle Jamieson took his wicket. Rohit scored 26 runs from 29 balls. His innings included three fours and two sixes. Rohit now has 329 sixes as an opener in ODI cricket. He moved ahead of Chris Gayle. Gayle had hit 328 sixes as an opener.
Rohit had already broken another big record last year. He went past Shahid Afridi for the most sixes in ODI cricket overall. The Indian batter was in great form last year. He scored 650 runs in 14 ODI innings. He remained not out once. His highest score was 121 not out. He is currently ranked as the number one batter in the ICC ODI rankings. In the match, India won the toss and chose to bowl first. New Zealand’s openers started well. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls put together a strong partnership. Their stand crossed 100 runs. India made a comeback later. The bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals. New Zealand slowed down in the middle overs. Daryl Mitchell played a key role. New Zealand finished on 300/8 in 50 overs.