Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, became just the second cricketer overall and the first Indian to knock 500 sixes in international play on Wednesday. The powerful “Hitman” reached this milestone during Bangladesh’s second ODI match against India in Dhaka. The hitter, who entered the batting order at number nine after suffering a thumb injury, slammed an undefeated 51 off just 28 balls, including three fours and five sixes. He had a strike rate of 182.14 when he hit the ball. Rohit Sharma captured many hearts with his tenacity, dedication, and bravery in continuing to bat despite injury and pushing India to a win despite their five-run setback.
With this, the total number of sixes scored by batsmen in international cricket has reached 502. With a total of 553, West Indies legend Chris Gayle has hit the most sixes in international cricket history. In addition to these two legends, there are several other noteworthy six-hitters in international cricket, including former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi (476 sixes), former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum (398 sixes), and New Zealand opener Martin Guptill (383 sixes).
At the Shere Bangla National Stadium here on Wednesday, Bangladesh held off a late blitz from an injured Rohit Sharma to win by just five runs and grab a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Bangladesh currently leads the series 2-0 and can’t be caught. Bangladesh, who chose to bat first, got off to a shaky start and were reduced to 69/6. After that, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (100*) and Mahmudullah (77) pulled together a game-winning stand for the seventh wicket that totaled 148 runs and helped their team reach 271/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
For India, Washington Sundar (3/37) was the bowler of choice. Umran Malik and Mohammed Siraj each claimed two wickets. Due to some outstanding bowling by Bangladesh, India, which was attempting to chase down 272, was also reduced to 65/4. In a 107-run partnership for the fifth wicket with bowling all-arounder Axar Patel (56), Shreyas Iyer (82) extended his stellar run with the bat. Following the dismissal of these two hitters, Bangladesh appeared to have recovered in the match.
However, Bangladesh almost won the match when skipper Rohit, who had dropped down the order due to a thumb injury, smashed an unbeaten 51 off 28 balls with three fours and five sixes. However, Bangladesh’s chances of winning were improved by a first-over 48th over bowled by Mustafizur Rahman and batted by Mohammed Siraj. However, Mustafizur maintained his composure to defend 20 runs in the final over to secure a stunning victory while Rohit continued his mayhem.