“Rohit Sharma Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar’s Record with Half-Century Against Sri Lanka”

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma continued his impressive form in ODI cricket with a remarkable half-century during the second game against Sri Lanka, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format. Following a half-century in the first ODI, Rohit maintained his momentum in the second ODI by scoring 66 off just 44 balls, including five fours and four sixes, achieving a strike rate of over 145.

In 264 matches, Rohit has amassed 10,831 runs at an average of 49.23, with a strike rate of 92.29, featuring 31 centuries and 57 fifties. His highest score is 264. As an opener, Rohit has also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most fifty-plus scores for India in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, he has achieved 121 fifty-plus scores, one more than Sachin’s 120, who had 45 centuries and 75 fifties as an opener.

This was Rohit’s fourth fifty in ODIs within the first 10 overs of a match. He is closing in on the record held by legendary opener Virender Sehwag, who had seven fifties within the first 10 overs of ODI matches.

Rohit has been prolific in hitting sixes recently, smashing 54 sixes in the first 10 overs of an ODI since January 2023, with Australia’s David Warner being a distant second with 24 sixes. During this period, Rohit has scored 1,377 runs in 28 innings at an average of 52.96, with two centuries and 11 fifties. His best score in this timeframe is 131.

In the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Contributions from Avishka Fernando (40 off 62 balls, with five fours), Kamindu Mendis (40 off 44 balls, with four boundaries), and Dunith Wellalage (39 off 35 balls, with a four and two sixes) helped Sri Lanka reach 240/9 in their 50 overs.

Washington Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) were the standout bowlers for India, with Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel also taking a wicket each.