Rohit Sharma silenced his critics with his second-fastest ODI century during the second ODI match against England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, February 9, 2025. (More Cricket News)
Sharma, 37, reached this milestone in just 76 balls, hitting 12 fours and seven sixes during his innings. His fastest ODI century was scored against Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 held in Delhi.
He completed his 32nd ODI century with a six down the ground off spinner Adil Rashid. Prior to that, he struck Mark Wood for a six over mid-wicket, which brought him into the 90s.
The seven sixes hit by Rohit Sharma before reaching his century is the most he has ever hit in one-day internationals before achieving this milestone. This is his second century in this format since his fastest one against Afghanistan in 2023.
Sharma also reached his half-century in just 30 balls, despite a 30-minute delay in the match due to a floodlight malfunction at the Barabati Stadium.
With this century, he also surpassed Rahul Dravid in the list of most international centuries by an Indian batter. This is his 49th international hundred. Virat Kohli (81) and Sachin Tendulkar (100) are two other Indians above him.
Opening batsman Shubman Gill and Sharma partnered for 136 runs for the first wicket while chasing a target of 305 runs. Gill also contributed with a back-to-back fifty before he was dismissed by a yorker from Jamie Overton.
While Sharma had been struggling with his form in red-ball cricket, he found his rhythm in the ODIs. This century comes at a crucial time as India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in less than two weeks.
The India captain lost his wicket to Liam Livingstone when he went for a big shot but could not reach the ball and played it high in the air. Adil Rashid took a brilliant catch within the 30-yard to dismiss the set batter for 119 runs.
