INDvsSA 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma Becomes ODI Six-Hitting Leader as India Post 349 Against South Africa
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set new ODI records as India posts 349 against South Africa.
India’s cricket team put on a sensational batting display in the first ODI against South Africa at Ranchi, amassing a formidable 349 for 8 in their 50 overs. The highlight of the innings was Virat Kohli’s magnificent 135-run knock, which marked his 52nd ODI century—extending his record for the most hundreds scored by any batter in a single format. Kohli’s innings included 11 boundaries and 7 sixes, showcasing his mastery and cementing his legacy in ODI cricket history.
Alongside Kohli, Rohit Sharma played a vital role, scoring a fiery 57 runs off just 51 balls. Sharma’s innings was not only crucial for India’s total but also historic on a personal milestone. He smashed his 352nd six, surpassing Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi to claim the record for the most sixes hit in ODI cricket. Rohit achieved this feat effortlessly, breaking a record that stood for years, and did so in significantly fewer innings than Afridi.
KL Rahul, deputizing as the captain, also contributed a valuable 60, helping India maintain momentum after Rohit’s departure. The formidable partnership between Rohit Sharma and Kohli, marked by aggressive yet calculated stroke play, laid the foundation for India’s mammoth total. The team’s performance puts South Africa under immense pressure as they chase a challenging target of 350.
The crowd at Ranchi witnessed several memorable moments during the innings, with Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking six evoking loud cheers and a standing ovation. The innings underscored India’s lethal combination of experience and power-hitting prowess, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive ODI series.
India’s bowlers now face the task of defending this imposing total against a strong South African batting lineup. With stellar performances from Kohli and Rohit, India has taken a commanding lead in the series opener and aims to maintain this dominance in the matches ahead.
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