India and Sri Lanka are clashing in the 1st ODI of their three-match series at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. With the return of key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, the Indian side looked formidable for the ODI contest. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, managing to score a modest 230/8 in their 50 overs.
Chasing a target of 231, Rohit Sharma came out with an aggressive intent, setting the tone for India’s innings. He smashed the second ball of the innings for six and took debutant Mohamed Shiraz for 14 runs in the fourth over. In the final over of the first Powerplay, Rohit completed a blistering 33-ball half-century by slog-sweeping Akila Dananjaya for six.
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Rohit Sharma equals Sachin Tendulkar’s record
This explosive knock not only put India in a commanding position but also etched Rohit Sharma‘s name alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. With this innings, Rohit equaled Tendulkar’s record for the most scores of 50 and above by an opener in international cricket across formats, reaching the milestone of 120 such scores. Rohit now boasts 77 half-centuries and 43 centuries, drawing close to Tendulkar’s 75 half-centuries and 45 tons as an opener.
Rohit Sharma’s remarkable consistency as an opener places him in elite company. Currently, only five players have more 50+ scores as openers in international cricket: Graeme Smith (125), Desmond Haynes (131), Sanath Jayasuriya (136), Chris Gayle (144), and David Warner (146).
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India vs SriLanka, 1st ODI: Playing XIs
India’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka’s Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz
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