Rohit Sharma creates world record, breaks Shahid Afridi's all-time feat during 1st ODI against South Africa
Rohit Sharma carried his strong run from the Australia ODIs to the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. Rohit broke Shahid Afridi's world record during his strong run in the opener at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.
Former India captain Rohit Sharma etched his name into the history books during India's first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Ranchi. Sharma carried on his brilliant run from the ODI series against Australia, in which he was the Player of the Series, to the first ODI against the Proteas at the JSCA International Stadium Complex.
Sharma broke Shahid Afridi's world record for most sixes in the history of the ODI format after smashing three sixes in the opening ODI. He needed only three maximums to get to the mark and got there in some style.
Most sixes in ODIs:
352* - Rohit Sharma
351 - Shahid Afridi
331 - Chris Gayle
270 - Sanath Jayasuriya
229 - MS Dhoni
Rohit looked in zone despite having been dropped early in his innings on just one. The former skipper motored his way well with another ex-captain, Virat Kohli, as the two put up a 136-run partnership for the second wicket. Rohit hit three sixes in his innings. He slammed off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen for back-to-back sixes in the 15th over and then smacked Marco Jansen for his third in the 20th to get to the record.
South Africa had won the toss earlier and had opted to bowl first. "We'll bowl first. Spent a couple of evenings, dew at night time and it'll be slightly easier to bat at night. Different personnel, the dressing room is at a good place with a lot of energy and fun. It's an important series, the end role the 2027 WC, still a bit of time, but we're up against one of the best teams in the world. Just one spinner in Subrayen, I will bowl a bit - Temba and Maharaj have been rested, four seamers for us today," South Africa stand-in skipper Aiden Markram said at the toss.
"We would have bowled first as well. The preparation has been good, the energy is there with a lot of players coming back, we want to enjoy ourselves in the middle. That's what the chat has been, we need to use every opportunity we get in the ODI team, this is a great chance to challenge our skills against a very good team. Three spinners and three quicks for us today," India stand-in captain KL Rahul said.