When Rohit Sharma Pounded Afghanistan With 74-Run Assault In T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul shared 140 runs for the opening wicket in the game (x.com)
Legendary Indian opener Rohit Sharma, throughout his prolific international career, has taken apart the best of bowling attacks the world over. What unfolded back in November 2021 when Sharma crossed paths with Afghanistan was no different, as he flogged them on his way to an astonishing 47-ball 74 in Abu Dhabi at the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Coming into the match off the back of successive tournament-crashing defeats, Sharma’s thunderous knock set up India’s emphatic 66-run win, and the cricketer was fittingly rewarded with the ‘Player of the Match’ honours for his efforts.
When Rohit Sharma flogged Afghanistan bowlers
Team India, under Virat Kohli, lost to Pakistan and New Zealand in successive games upfront to crash out of the 2021 T20 World Cup race in UAE. The ‘Men in Blue’ subsequently faced Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi with hopes of keeping their outside chances alive.
Being put into bat first, Indian openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma bludgeoned dazzling half-centuries in their whirlwind 140-run first-wicket stand. Sharma himself pumped out eight boundaries and three sixes off the 47 deliveries he faced in the innings to top-score with 74.
His hurricane batting effort, coupled with Rahul’s 69 and unbeaten 13-ball cameos from Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya rushed India to a colossal 210-run total.
To watch Rohit Sharma’s 74 vs Afghanistan, click here
Later in the game, Indian bowlers Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin collectively held Afghanistan down at 144-7 to secure a 66-run win for their side.
Rohit Sharma headlined India’s dominance with a ‘Player of the Match’ award, and the outcome itself marked India’s first win of the tournament.
 "Aakash Saini")
