India will be looking to end their league stage with a perfect run in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 but face a tough challenge against underdog side Netherlands at the Wankhede Stadium Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, November 12. The Men in Blue thrashed South Africa to seal the top spot while the Netherlands have not added points to their tally after beating Bangladesh before losses to Afghanistan and then England.
Skipper Rohit Sharma and opening partner Shubman Gill gave India the perfect start, and in doing so, became the batter with the most sixes in ODIs in a single calendar year. He also has the most sixes in a World Cup edition as a captain and the most fours in a World Cup edition as a captain.
On Diwali day, fireworks weren't just in the sky but also on the cricket field in Bengaluru. The Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, put on a dazzling display as they went after the Netherlands bowlers. Winning the toss and opting to bat, Rohit Sharma's decision proved fruitful as India raced to an impressive 73 for 0 in just 8 overs.
The opening duo showcased their aggression with a total of 8 boundaries and 4 sixes in the initial 8 overs of the game. The batsmen's onslaught set a vibrant tone for the innings, leaving the Netherlands bowlers under pressure.
Rohit Sharma, in particular, had an extra reason to celebrate. After India's recent victory over South Africa, he found himself tied with AB de Villiers for the most sixes hit by a batter in ODI cricket in a calendar year. However, Rohit seized the opportunity on Sunday to break the record. In the 7th over of the contest, he smashed off-spinner Colin Ackermann for a six that sailed into the long-on stands, solidifying his position as the new record-holder for the most sixes in a calendar year in ODI cricket.
MOST SIXES IN ODIS IN A CALENDAR YEAR
Rohit Sharma - 59 in 2023 in 24 innings
AB de Villiers - 58 in 2015 in 18 innings
Chris Gayle - 56 sixes 2019 in 15 innings
Shahid Afridi - 48 sixes in 2002 in 36 innings
Rohit Sharma wasted no time in making an impact, launching an assault on off-spinner Aryan Dutt right from the first over of the match. Demonstrating his aggressive intent, Rohit confidently swept Aryan for a couple of boundaries, clearly signaling his aggressive approach.
Shubman Gill, not to be outdone, joined the onslaught and quickly raced past 40, showcasing his power-hitting with four sixes. The festive atmosphere at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was further ignited by the ruthless and high-quality batting display from the Indian openers.
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