In the thrilling semi-final clash against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, India's captain, Rohit Sharma, etched his name in cricket history by smashing his 50th World Cup six. The explosive right-hander showcased his prowess with four sixes in a scintillating 29-ball 47.
Rohit's six-hitting spree commenced in the third over, lofting Trent Boult beyond the extra-cover boundary. He continued his assault in the fourth over, dispatching Tim Southee for another maximum with a precise flick off a good-length delivery.
This remarkable achievement saw Rohit surpass West Indies legend Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes in World Cups. Despite falling for 47, he played a crucial role in establishing a formidable 71-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill in just 50 balls.
Earlier in the tournament, Rohit had already set the record for the most sixes in a calendar year. During a clash against the Netherlands in Bengaluru, he catapulted a colossal 92-meter six off Colin Ackermann, marking his 59th maximum of the year and eclipsing the previous record set by former South African captain AB de Villiers in 2015.
Notably, Rohit also achieved the distinction of being the captain with the most sixes in a single World Cup edition during the match against the Netherlands. Surpassing former England captain Eoin Morgan's record of 22 maximums in the 2019 edition, Rohit secured this feat with his 23rd six in the 2023 World Cup, adding another feather to his illustrious cap.
IND vs NZ Semifinal: India win toss, opt to bat first against New Zealand
In the first semifinal of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, India won the toss and chose to bat against New Zealand. Both teams decided to stick with their lineups from their last league matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, respectively.
Rohit Sharma, India's captain, expressed anticipation for a competitive match, acknowledging New Zealand's consistent performance in recent years. "The pitch appears good, slightly on the slower side. The last semifinal we played was back in 2019. NZ has been consistently strong, making it an exciting contest. Today is crucial; performance on the field matters," Sharma remarked.
Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper, revealed that he, too, would have elected to bat first if they had won the toss. "We would have batted first as well. With a used surface and potential dew in the evening, we expect a challenge. It's set to be an engaging game. Both teams have faced diverse conditions, and now it's knockout cricket," Williamson stated.
The match promises a thrilling encounter as two cricket powerhouses face off on a pitch that offers both challenges and opportunities. As the teams vie for a spot in the final, the significance of delivering a top-notch performance on this crucial day is paramount.
Playing XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd Siraj.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Also Read | Rohit equals AB de Villiers record of most ODI sixes in a calendar year
Also Read | Rohit Sharma Delighted as India Shines in Defending Well in Consecutive Matches
