ODI World Cup: The 2019 World Cup proved to be a disheartening competition for Indian supporters, as the Men in Blue advanced to the semi-finals only to be eliminated by New Zealand. Nonetheless, the tournament bore witness to several remarkable individuals who left an indelible mark on its history. Among them was Rohit Sharma, who shone brightly in the cricket spectacle held in England and Wales. Affectionately known as the ‘Hitman’, he significantly enhanced his reputation through his extraordinary displays of skill and unwavering consistency. Emerging as the top run-scorer of the tournament, Rohit Sharma amassed an impressive 648 runs, simultaneously shattering several long-standing records during the event.
Rohit Sharma’s five centuries at ODI World Cup 2019
1. 122* vs South Africa
In their inaugural match of the 2019 ICC World Cup at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England, India’s bowling lineup effectively limited South Africa’s score to 227/9. However, India’s batting struggled as Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli were dismissed early, scoring just eight runs off 12 deliveries and 18 runs off 34 deliveries, respectively. This placed the onus on Rohit Sharma to steer India to victory. Demonstrating his prowess, Rohit Sharma played an undefeated inning of 122 runs off 144 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes. His exceptional performance let India to the victory with 15 balls to spare.
2. 140 vs Pakistan
Exhibiting remarkable form, Sharma displayed a stellar performance against Pakistan at Old Trafford in Manchester. Teaming up with his new opening partner, KL Rahul, he unleashed a barrage of aggressive shots against the Pakistan bowling attack. He went on to score his 24th ODI century in a mere 85 deliveries. With Sharma’s exceptional innings, India set a total of 336 runs on the scoreboard. Despite rain affecting the contest, India emerged victorious by 89 runs.
3. 102 vs England
Facing off against the host nation England at Edgbaston, the game witnessed some impressive batting as England gave Men in Blue a target of 338 runs. However, India’s start was poor, with opener KL Rahul departing without scoring, adding just eight runs to the tally. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, continued to display his exceptional form, partnering with captain Virat Kohli to construct a formidable partnership of 140 runs. Following Kohli’s departure, Sharma persisted and achieved his third century at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in the 35th over. Departing after scoring 102 runs off 108 balls, Sharma’s exit dashed India’s aspirations for victory. Home team won the match later by 31 runs.
4. 104 vs Bangladesh
Following their loss to England, India was determined to make a resounding comeback against Bangladesh at the same venue. After winning the toss, India opted to bat, and both Sharma and KL Rahul embarked on an aggressive start right from the outset. The opening duo constructed a remarkable partnership worth 180 runs, with Sharma contributing a notable 104 runs off 92 deliveries. Displaying his prowess as the ‘Hitman’, he unleashed seven boundaries and five sixes before eventually departing. India posted 314 runs on board. However, India’s bowling lineup took charge to secure victory by a margin of 28 runs.
5. 103 vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka team, who were already out of the tournament gave India a target of 264 runs. On the other side, India responded strongly as both Sharma and Rahul secured centuries, orchestrating another comfortable victory for the team. The pair orchestrated a formidable 189-run partnership – the most significant by an Indian opening pair in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup, surpassing their own previous record from the last game.
Sharma’s innings consisted of 14 boundaries and two sixes, concluding at 103 runs off 94 balls. This century marked a significant achievement as Sharma became the first player to achieve five centuries in a single ICC Cricket World Cup, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s record of four centuries from the prior edition.
Furthermore, Sharma clinched his fourth Man of the Match award in the tournament, a feat shared with Yuvraj Singh, who also won four awards in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
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