[WATCH] Throwback to when Rohit Sharma scored a record-breaking hundred against Pakistan at the 2019 World Cup
Rohit Sharma had a memorable 2019 ODI World Cup campaign laden with five centuries - the most by a batter in a single edition of the tournament. One of those hundreds came in the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.
Rohit, who was already in fine form, courtesy of his unbeaten hundred against South Africa earlier in the tournament, took on the Pakistani bowlers. He emulated Sachin Tendulkar's six over point, a shot that was played in the legend's 98-run knock against the same opposition in the 2003 edition.
Rohit continued to sizzle with his patented pull shots and did not spare the spinners as well once they came into the attack. He brought up his fifty in quick time, off just 34 deliveries before reaching the three-figure mark in 85 deliveries.
Have a look at the stellar innings right here:
Rohit Sharma was on course for something special, having raced to 140 runs off just 112 deliveries, with more than 10 overs to spare. However, he lost his wicket while attempting an unorthodox shot off Hasan Ali's bowling.
The damage was already done though as the Men in Blue were able to post a commanding total of 336-5 batting first. Pakistan were nowhere in the chase and they succumbed to a heavy loss, which was confirmed following a rain delay.
"Trust me, wasn't thinking of a double hundred" - Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, who already has three ODI double-hundreds to his name, could have had the opportunity of scoring a fourth, that too in a World Cup against Pakistan.
However, he asserted that the milestone was not on his mind while batting and he regretted the manner of his dismissal. Rohit said during the post-match presentation after being adjudged as player of the match:
"I was unhappy (when I got out), particularly the way I played that shot. He just pushed mid-on back and brought fine leg in, a little misjudgment from my side. When you're set you want to get as many runs as possible. Trust me, wasn't thinking of a double hundred. Got out at the wrong time, the partnership was becoming solid and we wanted to kill the game."
Team India are scheduled to take on Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.