IND vs SA, 1st ODI LIVE: Rohit Sharma goes past Shahid Afridi to break sixes record

Rohit Sharma broke the record for the most sixes hit in ODI cricket during his 57-run innings against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. This milestone came as South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first in the first ODI of the series at JSCA International Stadium Complex on Sunday.

Rohit goes past Afridi

India’s innings began on uncertain footing when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed early, increasing the pressure on the middle order. However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli steadied the ship with a strong partnership.

Rohit, known as 'Hitman' for his ruthless boundary-hitting, unleashed vintage aggression. Mixing pristine lofts over cover with muscular pulls into the stands, he ticked off the landmark six that propelled him atop the charts.

Now leading the elite list, Sharma's tally reads 352*, ahead of Afridi (351), Chris Gayle (331), Sanath Jayasuriya (270), and former India skipper MS Dhoni (229).

This feat underscores Rohit's evolution from an opener with flair to the format's deadliest six-hitter, amassing these numbers across 273+ ODIs with his signature pull shots and big shots against the spinners.

Read also: IND vs SA, 1st ODI LIVE: India lose their 19th straight toss in ODIs, South Africa to bowl first

Kohli also brought up his 76th ODI fifty

Kohli, anchoring the other end with trademark finesse, complemented Rohit's fireworks perfectly. The chase master notched his 76th ODI fifty, a milestone that reinforces his chase record dominance.

The duo's synergy peaked as they stitched together their consecutive 100-run stand in ODIs; the second in as many outings, blunting South Africa's pace battery, including their lead quicks. This partnership not only stabilised India but also injected momentum, with boundaries flowing freely amid cheers from a packed Ranchi crowd.

South Africa's bowling unit, led by their express pacers, fought back gamely after the early strike. The decision to insert India aimed to exploit any green tinge on the pitch, and Jaiswal's swift exit validated it momentarily.

Yet, Rohit-Kohli's mastery turned the tide, forcing adjustments from the Proteas who rotated through spinners to stem the flow. By the time Rohit fell, India had clawed back control, eyeing a defendable total. Jansen came back for his second spell, and the bowl kept a bit low from around the wicket, which hit Rohit’s pad. Although Rohit could have gone upstairs for the DRS, he decided against it.

Most sixes in ODI cricket (men’s)

352* - Rohit Sharma
351 - Shahid Afridi
331 - Chris Gayle
270 - Sanath Jayasuriya
229 - MS Dhoni

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