World Record Alert: Rohit Sharma scripts history, becomes fastest player in the world to bag this mighty ODI feat

Former India captain Rohit Sharma scripted a massive world record in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. Rohit cracked a brilliant fifty in the series opener to give India a robust start. During this sublime knock, Rohit Sharma shattered the World Record of the fastest player to hit 350 sixes in ODI cricket.

Rohit Sharma becomes ultimate six-machine in ODIs

The previous record was held by Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi, who took over 390 matches to reach the milestone. In stark contrast, Rohit accomplished the feat in just his 277th game, making him the first player in history to reach 350 sixes in fewer than 300 ODIs. The record was broken in dramatic fashion, Rohit hit back-to-back sixes off spinner Prenelan Subrayen to equal Afridi's tally. He then struck another maximum, this time off Marco Jansen, to officially become the leading six-hitter in One Day Internationals.

Batters with most sixes In ODIs

Rohit Sharma - 352 (277 matches)
Shahid Afridi - 351 (398 matches)
Chris Gayle - 331 (301 matches)
Sanath Jayasuriya - 270 (445 matches)
MS Dhoni - 229 (350 matches)

However, Rohit had to return to pavilion after scoring a quickfire 51-ball 57 to leave India at 161/2 after 21.2 overs.

By achieving this milestone, Rohit now stands atop an exclusive list featuring some of the greatest power-hitters in the history of world cricket including Chris Gayle, MS Dhoni, Sanath Jayasuriya, and AB de Villiers, cementing Sharma’s place among the most destructive batsmen to ever play the ODI format.

Rohit, who entered the series following a commanding century against Australia in Sydney, was afforded a slice of early luck. He was dropped on a score of just 1 when Tony de Zorzi, coming in from deep third man, failed to hold onto a pull shot. This reprieve gave Sharma the opening he needed. His confidence was further bolstered by the arrival of Virat Kohli, who was scoring fluently at the other end. Kohli's superb form allowed Rohit the necessary time to settle into his innings. Once comfortable, the flow of boundaries began in earnest, highlighted by a powerful backfoot punch off Marco Jansen and back-to-back fours against Corbin Bosch, signalling that Sharma was now operating at full strength.

After his initial burst of aggression, Rohit slowed his scoring rate slightly as he consolidated his position. He successfully completed his half-century and soon after, he hooked Marco Jansen for a crucial boundary that secured his world record for the fastest player to hit 350 sixes in One Day International cricket.