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When Rohit Sharma's Class On Challenging Pitch Neutralised England In ODI World Cup


Rohit Sharma played a beautiful knock against odds vs England in 2023 ODI World Cup (@SPORTYVISHAL/X.com)Rohit Sharma played a beautiful knock against odds vs England in 2023 ODI World Cup (@SPORTYVISHAL/X.com)

On October 29, 2023, Indian captain Rohit Sharma played a remarkable knock of 81 off 101 balls to anchor the first innings. On the challenging pitch of Ekana Stadium, Rohit weathered a collapse to steer India to 229/9, which proved to be a daunting total for England in hindsight.

The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 was a dream tournament for team India except for the night of the finals. Capitalising on the home turf advantage, the men in blue advanced to the knockout stage without experiencing a single defeat.

However, Rohit Sharma and co did face a scare against England. The high-voltage fixture was scheduled at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, and the pitch behaved oddly, with uneven bounce and threatening movement for fast bowlers.

Rohit Sharma's knock of the tournament helped India beat England

England smartly opted to bowl first and triggered a quick collapse. Chris Woakes and David Willey wiped off the top order as India were reduced to 40/3 in 12 overs.

However, captain Rohit Sharma took it upon himself to lead from the front. Unfazed by wickets falling from the other end, Rohit held his end to anchor the innings. KL Rahul supported his captain as the duo knitted a 91-run partnership.

Even as Rahul departed for 39 off 58, Rohit slammed a half-century and added 30 more runs with Suryakumar Yadav. Rohit Sharma’s focus was unshakable as his intent to drive India to a respectable total fuelled a new ray of hope in fans.

Eventually, the captain went deep to finish with 87 off 101 balls, including 3 sixes and 10 boundaries. His composed knock helped India cross the 200-run mark and set up a 230-run chase for England.

The total was par on Ekana’s wicket as England fumbled in the chase. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami unleashed carnage to bowl out the Englishmen for 129 and seal a giant 100-run victory.

As India managed to secure the winning streak, Rohit Sharma was awarded man of the match for his brilliant and composed knock amid pressure moments. His innings defined India’s approach and intent to mark a comeback from any stage whatsoever.