Rohit Sharma’s century powers India towards big total vs Sri Lanka in Mohali
December 13, 2017, Mohali
India’s stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front, notching up his career’s 16th ODI century and putting the hosts in a solid position against Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Mohali.
ohit, under fire for having scored just two in the Dharamshala ODI and then having watched his side skittle to lowly 112, was watchful at the start. With Shikhar Dhawan taking up scoring mantle, Rohit was happy to play second fiddle and wait for his chance to score. The duo did well in negotiating Sri Lankan pacers Angelo Mathews and Suranga Lakmal stitching together 115 runs for the first wicket in 21.1 overs.
While Dhawan was happy slamming boundaries at will, Sharma played a waiting game. With the ball coming on to the bat, the Indian opening duo ensured that their side had a platform to bat Lanka out of the match. Dhawan perished trying to force the pace for 68 off 67 balls but by then, Rohit, having set his eye in, took over the scoring mantle.
Rohit build his innings watchfully, hitting five fours, which included three hits to the fence through covers for his fifty. He then opened up in 20th over hammering spinner for two boundaries off Sachith Pathirana. Mentoring Shreyas Iyer, Rohit then showed full range of shots he posses. He lofted Nuwan Pradeep for a six and followed it up with couple off punches for four of Sachith Pathirana and Lakmal. With Iyer going great guns at the other end, Rohit once again bid is time waiting for bowlers to commit mistakes.
His 100 (115 balls) came off a single of Pathirana and was inclusive off nine fours and one six.
