Ranchi, India – In a dazzling display of power hitting, Rohit Sharma has etched his name in the history books once again, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot in the list of batsmen with the most sixes in One Day International (ODI) cricket. The record was broken during the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.
Sharma, the veteran Indian opener, surpassed Pakistan's Shahid Afridi, who previously held the record with 351 sixes. Sharma reached the milestone in spectacular fashion, hitting three sixes during his innings against the Proteas. He came into the match with 349 sixes to his name and wasted no time in asserting his dominance.
The 38-year-old Sharma, opened the batting and showcased his aggressive intent from the start. He initially equaled Afridi's record by smashing two consecutive sixes off South African spinner Prenalen Subrayan. Sharma then pulled a delivery from Marco Jansen over the fine leg fence to surpass Afridi and set the new world record. He now has 352 sixes in ODI cricket.
Sharma reached his half-century shortly before achieving the record. He was eventually dismissed after scoring 57 runs off 51 balls, which included 5 fours and 3 sixes. Sharma had a 25-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first wicket and a 134-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the second wicket. Kohli scored 72 runs, which included 4 fours and 5 sixes.
Sharma's journey to the top has been marked by consistent performances and a fearless approach to batting. In his ODI career, he has played 276 matches and scored 11,370 runs at an average of 49, with 1,066 fours. He also holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs, with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014. Sharma also won the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007.
Afridi, who held the record before Sharma, reached his tally of 351 sixes in 398 matches between 1996 and 2015. Afridi hit a six every 19.6 deliveries he faced. Sharma has hit a six every 35 deliveries.
Sharma has 205 sixes in T20Is and 89 in Test cricket. Sharma's achievement is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the game. He continues to be a key player for India, inspiring a new generation of cricketers with his explosive batting and leadership qualities.
