Rohit Sharma set a world record for the most sixes in ODIs on Sunday. He surpassed the previous record of 351 sixes in international 50-over matches during the first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Rohit started the match two sixes behind the all time leader Shahid Afridi. He matched Afridi’s record in the 15th over of the first innings.
Rohit Sharma broke records with 352 sixes in ODIs
By the 20th over, Rohit broke the record by hitting a landmark 352 sixes in ODIs, which is the most for any batter. Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan all-rounder, held the record with 351 sixes in 398 matches. Rohit achieved the new record in just 277 ODIs. He equalled Afridi by hitting spinner Prenelan Subrayen for two consecutive sixes at the start of the 15th over after India lost the toss and had to bat first.
He broke the record in the 20th over when he smashed a delivery from Marco Jansen to long on. It’s remarkable that at 38 years old, the former Indian captain is still making history.
Most sixes for a batter in ODIs
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 352 sixes*
- Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 351 sixes
- Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 331 sixes
- Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 270 sixes
- MS Dhoni (India) – 229 sixes
Shortly after, the veteran was dismissed lbw by Jansen for 57 runs off 51 balls. In addition to his three sixes, Rohit struck five fours in his innings. He now aims to add more sixes to his tally in the remaining two ODIs of the series.
For those who don’t know, Rohit already leads the list for most sixes in international cricket across all formats. He has hit 642 sixes across Tests, T20Is, and ODIs in 502 matches. Chris Gayle is in second place with 553 sixes in 483 matches, while Afridi ranks third with 476 sixes in 524 matches.
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