Top 5 ODI Knocks By Rohit Sharma Vs Pakistan
Rohit Sharma slams 140 vs Pakistan in CWC 2019 [Source: Twitter]
A modern-era great, Rohit Sharma's metamorphosis from a middle-order batter to an opener has been anything short of inspirational. With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 upon us, Sharma's form and individual success remain crucial factors in India's campaign if they want to win a global triumph.
In ODIs, Sharma's statistics are enviable and could put several other leading batters to shame with 9,825 runs in 243 matches, with 30 centuries and 48 half-centuries.
In the coming months, India is set to compete against arch-rivals Pakistan in tournaments such as Asia Cup and CWC 2023, making these matches highly anticipated. The all-format current captain Sharma remains the rare breed of current Indian cricketers to have played in Pakistan.
Since 2007, the 36-year-old has played in 16 ODIs against Pakistan, scoring 720 runs and recording two centuries, which started with a fifty against neighbours.
Rohit Sharma's Top 5 ODI Knocks vs Pakistan
1. 140 vs Pakistan, Manchester, CWC 2019
Rohit Sharma slams 140 vs Pakistan [Source: Twitter]
In peak form, Sharma struck a majestic 140 against Pakistan in the CWC 2019, showcasing restraint and aggression. Batting in windy and overcast conditions, Sharma started slowly while ensuring India's safety upfront.
However, once settled, Sharma launched an attack on Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan, milking them for 75 runs out of his 140, which included 14 fours and three sixes. Another highlight of Sharma's innings was his running between the wickets, which witnessed eight doubles and one triple-run as well.
India went on to win the encounter by 89 runs thanks to DLS method.
2. 111* vs Pakistan, UAE, Asia Cup 2018
Rohit Sharma scored his maiden ODI ton against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2018 [Source: Twitter]
Appointed stand-in captain for Asia Cup 2018, Sharma moved up the batting order for the event. Chasing a poultry 238, Sharma along with Shikhar Dhawan stitched a 210-run opening stand.
Sharma, who had been in red-hot form in the tournament, dispatched pacers with absolute ease, stockpiling runs under his belt, reaching fifty off 65 balls. With no assistance from the track, the Pakistani spinners bore Sharma's wrath as the MI captain rocked his way to his maiden ODI ton against arch-rivals in just 106 deliveries.
The skipper remained unbeaten on 111* with seven fours and four sixes as India won by nine wickets.
3. 91 vs Pakistan, Birmingham ICC Champions Trophy 2017
Rohit Sharma was run-out on 91 in Group match against Pakistan [Source: Twitter]
In a rather subdued knock, Sharma scored a memorable 91 against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy Group B encounter.
Sharma along with Dhawan played out a potent spell of bowling, adding 46 in 10 overs. The current India captain reached his fifty in 71 balls, with six fours and one six. Despite the ball of Dhawan's wicket, Sharma toil for runs in the middle.
Sharma's (91) innings included 43 singles, four doubles, seven fours, and two sixes as the opener fell nine shy of what would have been a memorable 100. India went on to win the match by 124 runs by the DLS method.
4. 52 vs Pakistan, Dubai Asia Cup 2018
Rohit Sharma played a cameo of 52 runs [Source: Twitter]
Chasing 163 in a Group A encounter in Asia Cup 2018 in Dubai, Sharma propelled India to a win over Pakistan. Leading India in the competition, Sharma displayed his belligerent best from the onset, adding 86 runs in no time with Dhawan.
The Mumbai-born batter came down hard on Usman Shinwari and Hasan Ali hammering them for 40 combined. Sharma's 52-run cameo included six fours and three sixes, which came to a halting end after Shadab Khan knocked over the batter's middle and leg stump.
India registered a thumping eight-wicket win.
5. 68 vs Pakistan, Mirpur, Asia Cup 2012
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Rohit Sharma scored 68 as India chased 330 [Source: Twitter]
In a match mainly remembered for Virat Kohli's 183, the Asia Cup 2012 encounter against Pakistan, Sharma played a small yet significant hand in India's victory. Chasing a mammoth 330, India were two wickets down when Sharma joined Kohli in the middle, with India still 197 away.
Sharma, who was still quite new to the ODI setup, came down at No.4 and batted with determination, and control, with Kohli going all guns blazing on the other end. Once well-set, Sharma unleashed a flurry of cut, pulls, and lofted drives, taking on the spinners, as the duo added 172 runs for the third wicket.
Sharma scored a valuable 68 off 83 laced with five fours and one solitary six.
India went on to win the encounter by six wickets.
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