KOLKATA, India — Indian captain Rohit Sharma etched his name into the cricketing history books on a balmy Sunday evening, shattering Shahid Afridi's long-standing record for the most sixes in One-Day Internationals as India clinched a commanding 8-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening match of their three-match series.
The moment of cricketing immortality arrived in the 17th over of India's chase. Facing the spin of Keshav Maharaj, Rohit danced down the track and launched the ball high and handsome over the wide long-on boundary at the Eden Gardens. The colossal strike was his 247th maximum in ODIs, moving him past the previous record of 246 held by the flamboyant Pakistani all-rounder since 2010.
The capacity crowd in Kolkata erupted as the giant screen flashed a tribute to the new 'Sixer King'. Rohit, typically understated, raised his bat in a quiet acknowledgment before getting back to the business of chasing down South Africa's modest total of 116. He fittingly finished the match with another six, remaining unbeaten on a masterful 55 from 42 balls, an innings that included five fours and three sixes.
A Record 15 Years in the Making
Shahid Afridi, known worldwide as 'Boom Boom', had set the benchmark with his explosive hitting across a 398-match ODI career. His record had stood for over 15 years, a testament to his power and longevity. Rohit, who took 262 innings to break the record compared to Afridi's 369, has redefined the art of power-hitting in the modern era with his effortless, seemingly bottomless back-lift and impeccable timing.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, a humble Rohit reflected on the achievement, stating, "It is a good feeling to have the record, but I have never thought about it. I never thought I would get there, but it has happened. I have just tried to play my shots and help the team win."
The record-breaking journey is a culmination of a style of play that Rohit has perfected since being promoted to open the innings in 2013. His ability to score big hundreds, including three double-centuries, has been the primary engine behind his rapid ascent up the six-hitting charts. His key weapons in this record-breaking pursuit include:
- The effortless lofted drive over long-on and extra cover.
- The devastating pull shot that dispatches short balls into the stands.
- The audacious scoop and ramp shots against pace in the death overs.
- A remarkable ability to maintain his shape and balance while hitting through the line.
Indian Pace Attack Demolishes Proteas
While Rohit's batting heroics captured the headlines, the foundation for the victory was laid by a ruthless and disciplined bowling performance from India's pace attack. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Indian seamers exploited a pitch with early moisture and movement, reducing the formidable South African lineup to a paltry 116 all out in just 27.3 overs.
Mohammed Siraj was the chief destroyer, producing a spell of menacing pace and swing to finish with figures of 3 for 18. He was ably supported by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, who returned from a brief rest to claim 2 for 21. The carnage began early, with Siraj trapping the in-form Quinton de Kock LBW for 2, setting the tone for a dramatic collapse.
A Batting Collapse of Epic Proportions
South Africa's innings never found any momentum. From a precarious 40 for 3, they lost their next 7 wickets for just 76 runs. The middle order, often their strength, capitulated against the relentless pressure. Kuldeep Yadav's wrist-spin further compounded their misery, as he chipped in with two crucial wickets, including that of the dangerous David Miller for 6.
South African captain Temba Bavuma could only look on in dismay from the non-striker's end before becoming one of Bumrah's victims. He later admitted, "We were blown away. The conditions were tricky, but you have to give credit to the Indian bowlers. They put the ball in the right areas and we failed to respond."
A Chase Led by the Record-Breaker
The modest target of 117 was never going to trouble an Indian batting lineup brimming with confidence. While Shubman Gill fell early for 11, Rohit Sharma took center stage. He was joined by the returning Shreyas Iyer, and together they dismantled the South African bowling attack with a mix of caution and aggression.
Iyer, playing on his home ground, looked in sublime touch, scoring a fluent 38 not out from 36 balls. The partnership between Rohit and Iyer was worth 98 runs and effectively sealed the game, guiding India to 119 for 2 in just 16.4 overs and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
The victory was as comprehensive as they come and sends a strong message from the Indian team just months before the ICC Cricket World Cup. The blend of a ferocious, penetrative bowling attack and a batting lineup capable of chasing any total with ease makes India one of the firm favorites for the global tournament.
What the Record Signifies for the Future
Rohit Sharma's record is more than just a personal milestone; it is a symbol of the evolving nature of ODI cricket. The modern game, especially with the advent of T20, demands a higher scoring rate and greater risk-taking from the outset. Rohit, along with players like Chris Gayle (240 sixes) and Sanath Jayasuriya (270 across all formats, a record Rohit will now have in his sights), has been at the forefront of this revolution.
With the 37-year-old Afridi long retired, the record now passes to a current superstar who shows no signs of slowing down. Given his age, form, and the number of matches India plays, Rohit is poised to push the record into a territory that may seem untouchable for future generations. The next active player on the list is his teammate, Virat Kohli, who sits significantly further back, underscoring the sheer scale of Rohit's power-hitting prowess.
As the teams travel to Pune for the second ODI, all eyes will be on the Indian captain. Not just to see if he can extend his new six-hitting record, but to lead his team to a series victory with the same commanding authority he displayed on a historic night in Kolkata. The record is broken, but for Rohit Sharma and India, the mission continues.