Ranchi, India – In a moment of sheer dominance and power-hitting, Rohit Sharma etched his name in the history books of One Day International (ODI) cricket, surpassing Shahid Afridi's long-standing record for the most sixes. During the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, the Indian opener achieved the remarkable feat, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Rohit Sharma, who began the match with 349 sixes, needed just three hits over the boundary to eclipse Afridi's previous record of 351. The record-breaking moment arrived in the 20th over of India's innings when Sharma launched a delivery into the stands, securing his 352nd six in ODIs. He reached the milestone in his 277th match, accomplishing the feat in 100 fewer innings than Afridi.

The 38-year-old, also brought up his 60th ODI half-century during the innings. Sharma's innings was a blend of timing and power, demonstrating his ability to find the gaps and clear the boundary with ease. He reached his half-century in the 19th over. Ultimately, Sharma was dismissed for 57 off 51 balls, trapped leg before wicket by Marco Jansen. His knock included five fours and three sixes.

Sharma's journey to the top of the six-hitting charts has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a career spanning over 276 ODI matches, he has amassed 11,370 runs at an average of 49, including 33 centuries and 59 half-centuries. His ODI strike rate stands at an impressive 92.67. Beyond his six-hitting prowess, Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs, an astounding 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014. He also topped the scoring charts at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he struck a record-breaking five centuries.

The top six hitters in ODI cricket are: 1. Rohit Sharma (India): 352* 2. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): 351 3. Chris Gayle (West Indies): 331 4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): 270 5. MS Dhoni (India): 229 6. Eoin Morgan (England/Ireland): 220

While Sharma now holds the record for most sixes, it is worth noting that Afridi reached his total in fewer deliveries. Afridi hit a six every 19.6 deliveries he faced, while Sharma has hit a six every 32.6 deliveries.

With this record, Sharma adds another achievement to his already illustrious career. He has won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the Asia Cup in 2016 and 2018. He is also close to reaching 20,000 international runs.