Indian opener smashes 264 against Sri Lanka to break Virender Sehwag's world record ODI score of 219 and also becomes the only player to score 2 double tons in ODIs
Kolkata: Rohit Sharma on Thursday scripted history by notching up the highest-ever individual score in one-day internationals, scoring a breathtaking knock of 264 against Sri Lanka in the fourth cricket one-dayer in Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens.
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During his rollicking knock which came off just 173 balls, Rohit surpassed the previous record set by countryman
Virender Sehwag, who smashed 219 in an ODI against West Indies at Indore, back in 2011.
Rohit also became the only player in world cricket to score two double hundreds in the 50-over format with his previous best of 209 coming against Australia at Bangalore in November last year.
India's Rohit Sharma reacts after his double century during 4th ODI cricket match against Sri Lanka in Kolkata on Thursday. Photo: PTI
Rohit stitched a 202-run partnership for the third wicket with skipper Virat Kohli (66).
Asked if he was tired after his epic knock, a smiling Rohit said, "Not really. I have had a break due to injury and I am not tired at all. I could have continued for another 50 overs."
Rohit also broke Shikhar Dhawan's List 'A' record score of 248 scored against South Africa 'A' in Pretoria last year.
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In his 173 ball innings, Rohit hit 33 boundaries and nine sixes with his last 214 runs coming in only 101 balls. His 33 boundaries were highest number struck by an individual in an ODI innings.
Rohit said that once he got to 50, he had to get a big one as he was set. "Once I got to 50, I had to convert it into a big score. Normally, I have an idea of the team total as it helps you to build an innings. We know that under lights with dew factor into consideration, 350 is not a safe score anymore at the Eden Gardens."
Eden Gardens also holds an emotional place in Rohit's heart as he scored a big hundred (177) on debut at this very venue last year and has now got the highest-ever ODI score.
"It's been a great venue for me as I got my hundred on Test debut at this venue. The crowd were cheering me right
through."
For the record, Rohit has also got a T20 hundred at this venue having scored one against Kolkata Knight Riders two
seasons back.
Rohit, however was lucky, as he was dropped on individual score of four when he slashed hard at a Shaminda Eranaga
delivery and the resultant dolly was dropped at third-man by Thisara Perera.
Rohit was eventually run out on the final ball of the Indian innings.
"If Rohit doesn't get out he will certainly get 250 today," Mahendra Singh Dhoni tweeted after Rohit Sharma reached the 200-mark for the second time in his career.
It was the fourth overall double ton -- all by Indians. Virender Sehwag held the previous highest score with his 219 against the West Indies in December 2011.
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar was the first batsman to reach the elusive 200 run-mark -- scoring 200 not out against South Africa in February 2010.
Zimbabwean Charles Coventry is the only non-Indian in the top 5 scorers list. His 194 not out against Bangladesh in 2009 was, at one point, the highest score in ODIs.
Brief Scores:
India: 404 for five in 50 overs (Rohit Sharma 264, Virat Kohli 66; Angelo Mathews 2/44, Nuwan Kulasekara 1/89, Shaminda Eranga 1-77) vs Sri Lanka.
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