Rohit Sharma breaks Afridi’s world record for most ODI sixes
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Ranchi: India’s batting stalwart Rohit Sharma added another milestone to his illustrious career on Sunday by breaking former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi’s world record for the most sixes in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The Mumbai opener hit three sixes during India’s innings in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, taking his career tally past Afridi’s 351 ODI maximums. Rohit now stands at 352 ODI sixes, becoming the new record-holder.
Batting first, Rohit was spectacular for India, forming a 136-run second-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli after the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo dominated the South African bowlers and steadily built India’s total.
In the 15th over, Rohit hit Prenelan Subrayen for back-to-back sixes. The first six marked Rohit’s 350th career maximum, making him the only Indian batter to reach the feat in ODIs. The second six brought him level with Afridi’s record.
Rohit reached his 60th ODI half-century in the 19th over and then hit his 352nd six, taking sole possession of the record for the most sixes in ODI history. Only three players in cricket history have crossed 300 sixes in ODIs: Afridi (351), Rohit (352), and Chris Gayle (331).
Rohit’s innings came to an end in the 22nd over when Marco Jansen trapped him lbw. He scored 57 off 51 balls, including five fours and three sixes. This marked Rohit’s third consecutive ODI half-century, continuing the momentum from his recent performances against Australia, where he scored 50+ in two ODIs and converted a half-century into a match-winning century in the third ODI.
With this form, Rohit has strengthened his case for a key role in India’s campaign for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
With IANS inputs