Rohit Sharma makes history, becomes first Indian to hit 50 ODI sixes in a calendar year

Rohit Sharma so far has hit 53 sixes in ODI cricket in the year 2023.

In India's ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 league stage match against New Zealand at Dharamsala, the hosts chose to field first after winning the toss. Indian team got off to a strong start, putting New Zealand in a challenging position at 19/2 during the powerplay. However, a significant partnership of 159 runs between Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 75 runs in 87 balls, helped New Zealand recover.

Nevertheless, India made a remarkable comeback in the later stages of the game, ultimately dismissing New Zealand for a total of 273 runs within their allotted 50 overs. Mohammed Shami was the stand-out performer for India, taking five wickets for 54 runs. Kuldeep Yadav also had a notable performance, securing two wickets for 73 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj each contributed a wicket. In the context of New Zealand's innings, Mitchell emerged as their top-scorer, scoring 130 runs from 127 balls and playing a significant role in their total score.

Rohit Sharma becomes first Indian to smash 50 ODI sixes in a calendar year

In the second innings, skipper Rohit Sharma achieved a remarkable milestone by hitting 50 ODI sixes in the current year, becoming the first Indian to accomplish this feat in a calendar year. He reached this milestone during the match, scoring 46 runs on 40 balls, which included four boundaries and four sixes. His batting strike rate was 115.

It's worth mentioning that the record for the most number of sixes in ODIs in a calendar year is held by South African legend AB de Villiers, who hit 58 sixes in 18 innings in 2015. Following him is West Indies power-hitter, Chris Gayle, who smashed 56 sixes in 15 innings in 2019. Rohit Sharma currently holds the third position with 53 sixes this year.

Currently, India find themselves at 255/5, with a requirement of 19 runs from 24 balls to secure victory. Once again, Virat Kohli is at the crease, and all eyes are on his performance as India pushes for the win.