 "Rohit Sharma overtook Shahid Afridi to become the batter with highest number of sixes in ODIs. Image: PTI")
Rohit Sharma broke the world record for most sixes in the ODIs on Sunday as he surpassed the previous best of 351 maximums in international 50-over matches in the first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Rohit began the match two sixes behind the all-time leader Shahid Afridi, but equalled the feat in the 15th over of the first innings. Rohit overtook Afridi in the 20th over as he reached a landmark 352 sixes in ODIs, the most for a batter.
Rohit creates record for most sixes in ODIs
The former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi held the record for most sixes in ODIs with 351 maximums in 398 matches. Rohit got to the world record of 352 sixes in just 277 ODIs.
Rohit equalled Afridi by hitting spinner Prenelan Subrayen for two consecutive sixes at the start of the 15th over after India lost the toss and were asked to bat first .
In the 20th over, he smashed a Marco Janen delivery to long on to break the world record. It’s amazing that even at the age of 38, the former Indian captain continues to script world records.
Most sixes for a batter in ODIs:
Rohit Sharma (India) – 352 sixes*
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 351 sixes
Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 331 sixes
Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 270 sixes
MS Dhoni (India) – 229 sixes
Soon after, the veteran was dismissed lbw by Jansen on 57 off 51 balls. Besides three sixes, Rohit also hit five fours in his innings. He would now look to add more sixes to his tally in the remaining two ODIs of the series.
Quick Reads
View AllFor the unversed. Rohit already leads the table for most sixes in international cricket across all formats. He has hit 642 sixes across Tests, T20Is and ODIs in 502 matches.
The second best is Chris Gayle with 553 sixes in 483 matches, while Afridi is at third (476 sixes in 524 matches).