Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking ton powers India to a big win over Afghanistan in the World Cup.
India and Afghanistan faced off in the 9th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 14, 2023. India won the toss and elected to field. Afghanistan got off to a good start, thanks to half-centuries from Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai. However, the Indian bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs, and Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 272 in 49.5 overs.
India, in reply, got off to a flying start, thanks to a century from Rohit Sharma. Rohit was in scintillating form, hitting 131 runs in just 84 balls. Virat Kohli (50) and Ishan Kishan (49) gave him solid assistance as India exceeded the target in just 37.2 overs.
India’s victory was a comprehensive one, and it was largely due to Rohit’s brilliant innings. Rohit’s century was the fastest World Cup ton by an Indian, and it also helped him become the first player to score seven World Cup centuries.
Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking century
Rohit Sharma was the star of the show for India, as he smashed a record-breaking century. Rohit’s century was the fastest World Cup ton by an Indian, and it also helped him become the first player to score seven World Cup centuries.
Rohit started off slowly, but he soon picked up the pace and started hitting boundaries at will. He reached his half-century in just 30 balls, and he continued to accelerate from there. Rohit scored 131 runs in 84 balls after hitting 16 fours and five sixes during his innings.
A genuinely extraordinary effort, Rohit’s century demonstrated why he is among the top batsmen in the world. His innings helped India to a comfortable victory, and it also put him in the record books.
India’s bowling attack also shines
While Rohit Sharma’s century was the headline act, India’s bowling attack also played a crucial role in the victory. India bowled Afghanistan out for 272 in 49.5 overs, which was a good score to defend on a batting-friendly pitch.
Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers, as he picked up four wickets for 39 runs. Bumrah was unplayable at times, and he bowled with great pace and accuracy. Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also picked up two wickets each, and they bowled consistently well throughout the innings.
India’s fielding was also excellent, as they took some brilliant catches. Virat Kohli took a stunning catch at short cover to dismiss Najibullah Zadran, and Ravindra Jadeja took a brilliant catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Rashid Khan.
Conclusion:
India’s victory over Afghanistan was a comprehensive one, and it was largely due to Rohit Sharma’s brilliant century. Rohit’s century was the fastest World Cup ton by an Indian, and it also helped him become the first player to score seven World Cup centuries.
India’s bowling attack also played a crucial role in the victory, as they bowled Afghanistan out for 272 in 49.5 overs. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers, as he picked up four wickets for 39 runs.
India’s victory was a good start to their World Cup campaign, and it will give them a lot of confidence ahead of their next match against England.
Additional thoughts:
- Rohit Sharma’s century was a truly remarkable innings. It was the fastest World Cup ton by an Indian, and it also helped him become the first player to score seven World Cup centuries. Rohit’s innings showed why he is one of the best batsmen in the world, and it was a fitting way for him to celebrate his 36th birthday.
- India’s bowling attack was also excellent in the match against Afghanistan. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, but Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also bowled well. India’s fielding was also excellent, as they took some brilliant catches.
- India’s victory was a good start to their World Cup campaign. They will now face England in their next match, and it will be a tough test for them. However, if they can continue to play like they did against Afghanistan, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.