Rohit Sharma And Shubman Gill Create History; Rewrite Record Books In ICC Finals

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (Source: AP Photos)

In the ongoing Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have achieved a remarkable feat. In pursuit of the target set by the Kiwis, the Indian opening pair established a record-breaking opening partnership, which now ranks as the fifth-highest in ICC ODI events’ history.

In the annals of big games like today’s Champions Trophy final in Dubai, opening stands have often laid the foundation for a team's goal, setting the right momentum at the start of the innings which can eventually dictate the result of the match.

Rohit and Gill Deliver Record Stand In Champions Trophy Title Clash

While chasing the target of 252, India got off to a great start with Rohit leading the charge, launching an early assault inside the powerplay. Meanwhile, Gill at the other end played second fiddle to Rohit, who went on to complete his half-century in just 41 deliveries.

The pair further did not allow the New Zealand spinners to dictate the run-flow and kept the scoreboard ticking after the powerplay. Eventually, the opening stand crossed the 100-run mark, providing a perfect foundation for India’s chase to their second title in less than a year.

Notably, Rohit and Gill’s collaboration turned out to be the third highest opening stand in ICC ODI events’ final, after Mitchell Santner got the wicket of Gill and finally put a halt to the 105-run opening stand.

Table - Highest opening partnership in the Final of an ICC ODI Event.

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India On The Brink Of Glory 

Earlier, New Zealand elected to bat first and posted a total of 251 runs on the board. Rachin Ravindra got the kiwis off to a great start but could not convert his innings into a big one. The Rohit Sharma-led side managed to keep the Blackaps quiet with Daryl Mitchell being the only one scoring a half-century in that innings.

In reply, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stitched a historic 105-run opening stand, putting India into the driving seat. However, New Zealand did manage to fight back, scalping three quick wickets. At the time of writing, India still need 98 runs with Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel battling it out to take India to glory.

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