Indian opening batter Rohit Sharma produced a masterclass in aggressive batsmanship during the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati. Taking command right from the opening overs, Rohit reached a magnificent century in just 72 deliveries. This knock marks the 35th hundred of his ODI career, allowing him to close the gap on Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list of century-makers in the format.
Rohit began his innings in dominant fashion, bringing up his half-century off just 32 balls while clearing the boundary four times. During this fiery display, he achieved a historic global milestone by becoming the first batter in the history of ODI cricket to register 200 sixes on home soil. This hundred is Rohit's second in his last three ODI appearances. Prior to the start of this home series against West Indies, discussions surrounding his recent batting form had gained traction, but the opener provided a decisive answer on the field. While he had provided a solid start in the first ODI without converting it into a huge score, he capitalized completely in the second encounter to give the side a flying start.
Closing the Gap on Sachin Tendulkar
With this latest hundred in Guwahati, Rohit Sharma now has 35 ODI centuries to his name, cementing his position at number three among the leading century-scorers in fifty-over international cricket. Virat Kohli leads the historic tally with 55 centuries, while Sachin Tendulkar stands second with 49 centuries. Following this knock, Rohit is now 14 centuries behind Tendulkar's career tally.
Most Centuries in ODI Cricket History
The top five century-makers in fifty-over international cricket stand as follows
- Virat Kohli: 55 centuries
- Sachin Tendulkar: 49 centuries
- Rohit Sharma: 35 centuries
- Ricky Ponting: 30 centuries
- Sanath Jayasuriya: 28 centuries
Rohit's innings also featured a crucial reprieve when he was batting on 84. Keacy Carty dropped a catch that could have ended his stay, but Rohit took full advantage of the missed opportunity to complete his hundred in the 26th over. Although he was dismissed shortly after reaching the landmark, he had already amassed 101 runs from 75 deliveries, striking 10 fours and 6 sixes.
Massive 255-Run Partnership with Captain Shubman Gill
At the other end, Indian captain Shubman Gill attacked the West Indies bowling attack with equal ferocity. Gill registered a lightning-quick hundred in just 62 deliveries. After settling in during the initial overs, Gill shifted gears and dominated the bowlers, collecting 11 boundaries and 5 maximums on his way to three figures. Together, Rohit and Gill compiled a commanding opening partnership of 255 runs, completely seizing control of the match.
