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Ravi Shastri Lauds Rohit Sharma After Record-Breaking Fifty vs Pakistan in Asia Cup

image-lmekmpmgRohit Sharma scored a brilliant fifty against Pakistan [AP Photo]

Indian captain, Rohit Sharma demonstrated his exceptional batting against the formidable bowling lineup of Pakistan in the  Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

Rohit went past Tendulkar in Asia Cup fifties tally

Following an impressive performance against Nepal, Rohit continued his form with a quick half-century, which drew commendations from the former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri.

In doing so, Rohit notched up his 50th half-century, eclipsing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record. With this feat, the Indian opener now holds the record for the most number of half-centuries by an Indian in the Asia Cup. In the ODI editions of the tournament alone, Rohit has hit eight half-centuries.

Commenting on Rohit's calculated approach during the match, Shastri remarked on a challenging phase where Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah made it tough for the Indian skipper. However, Rohit's determination saw him capitalize on every opportunity, dispatching any loose deliveries to or over the boundary. This aggressive approach, as interpreted by Shastri, showcased the batter's intent to punish any wayward bowling.

"There was a 10-ball phase from Naseem Shah at the start that beat him. He was trying to lay bat on ball but he could not. He went through that period and every time he got an opportunity today with anything remotely loose, he hit it over the boundary or to the boundary," Shastri told Star Sports.



Rohit's sparkling innings comprised 56 runs off 49 deliveries, peppered with six boundaries and four maximums, resulting in a strike rate exceeding 114. His innings was eventually halted by Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan in the 17th over.

"Rohit did not miss out on a single loose ball today, which showed that in spite of that good spell from the bowlers, the intent was that 'anything loose, I'm going to hit it for a boundary or six'," added Shastri.

In the all-time scoring charts for the Asia Cup ODIs, Rohit is second only to Tendulkar. He has accumulated 886 runs from 25 matches, while Tendulkar stands at 971 runs from 23 matches. 

Notably, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara and Rohit are currently tied, with both having scored eight half-centuries in the Asia Cup.