Rohit Sharma produced a vintage batting masterclass in Guwahati on Wednesday, smashing a magnificent century and crossing the monumental milestone of 12,000 ODI runs against the West Indies.
The veteran opener joined batting icons Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli as only the third Indian, and seventh batter overall in one-day international history, to breach the coveted landmark.
Chasing a colossal target of 406 at the Barsapara Stadium, the 39-year-old displayed supreme authority from the outset, combining destructive boundaries with smart strike rotation alongside partner Shubman Gill.
Historic Milestone In Elite Company
Rohit reached the 12,000-run mark in 12,973 balls, becoming the second-quickest batter in terms of deliveries faced, trailing only compatriot Virat Kohli, who achieved the feat in 12,853 deliveries.
The historic achievement further cements Rohit’s legacy among modern cricket greats, reflecting his extraordinary longevity and consistent ability to produce match-winning contributions at the top of the order.
Having built the platform with a rapid half-century, the experienced campaigner maintained a blistering ten-runs-per-over run rate, matching Gill stroke for stroke to put the visitors under immense pressure.
Understated Celebration Caps Memorable Century
The three-figure moment arrived off spinner Vitel Lawes. Rohit defended a flighted delivery into the off side, completing a comfortable single accompanied by a trademark high-knee jog to celebrate.
Foregoing elaborate celebrations, the senior batter offered a calm bat raise towards the dugout and appreciative crowd, knowing India still had significant work remaining to complete the mammoth pursuit.
Together with Gill, Rohit forged an electric double-century opening partnership, rendering the West Indian bowling attack helpless and reducing what seemed like an impossible target into a manageable equation.
Holding a 1-0 series lead, India stand on the verge of clinching the bilateral trophy, with Rohit’s masterclass providing another golden chapter in his storied fifty-over international career.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: abplive.com
