World Cup: Rohit Sharma's record-breaking hundred inspires India to comfortable win over Afghanistan

In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, captain Rohit Sharma led India to a resounding eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in a World Cup 2023 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, October 11. Sharma's phenomenal performance not only secured the win but earned him a place in the cricketing history books.

3 things you need to know

India beat Afghanistan by eight wickets in Delhi
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan stitched a 156-run partnership
Rohit hit a record-breaking hundred against Afghanistan

India's batting prowess

Rohit Sharma, partnering with the dynamic Ishan Kishan, orchestrated a magnificent 156-run opening stand. Sharma's century against Afghanistan was nothing short of extraordinary as it catapulted him to the zenith of ICC World Cup centuries, surpassing the revered Sachin Tendulkar and legendary Kapil Dev with an astounding seven centuries to his name.

Previously sharing the record with Sachin Tendulkar at six centuries, Rohit Sharma's blazing innings against Afghanistan showcased his exceptional skill and unwavering determination. What's more, he became the fastest Indian to reach a century in the ICC World Cup, requiring only 63 balls, surpassing Kapil Dev's record of 72 balls. The fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium were in awe of Rohit's incredible achievement, and the applause and admiration for the cricketer were deafening.

Rohit Sharma's impressive feat places him at the pinnacle of the ICC World Cup centuries list, followed by Sachin Tendulkar with six, Kumar Sangakkara from Sri Lanka with five, Ricky Ponting from Australia with five, and Australian opener David Warner with four centuries. This performance not only ensured a crucial victory for India but also solidified Rohit Sharma's status as a cricketing legend and a national hero, reinforcing cricket's position as a unifying force in India.

Improved batting from Afghanistan

Afghanistan's batting, led by Hasmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarazai, was commendable. Shahidi's steadfast 80 runs and the young Omarazai's courageous 62 runs helped Afghanistan set a competitive total of 272 for the loss of eight wickets against India. The highlight of Afghanistan's innings was the fourth-wicket partnership that amassed 121 runs between captain Shahidi and the 23-year-old Omarzai.

By the 40th over, Afghanistan had reached a promising 211 for four, looking poised to breach the 300-run mark. However, India's bowlers managed to curtail the run flow, led by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 4 for 39 in his 10 overs. These were his best figures in a World Cup match. Despite the seemingly batting-friendly conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, India's bowlers displayed remarkable discipline. Afghanistan faced a shaky start, reaching 48 for one during the opening powerplay.

While Bumrah showcased his early prowess with the ball, Mohammed Siraj struggled, conceding 76 runs from his nine overs. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz collected boundaries off Siraj, but Bumrah eventually provided the breakthrough by dismissing Zadran. The departures of Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah in quick succession paved the way for Shahidi and Omarzai to join forces. Omarzai, in particular, stood out, comfortably handling the Indian spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, hitting several boundaries and sixes. However, Afghanistan could only muster 61 runs in the last 10 overs, losing four wickets in the process.

Delhi boy Virat Kohli seals the win

After Rashid Khan ended Rohit Sharma's innings for 131, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer joined hands to take India over the line. Fans welcomed their 'Delhi boy' Kohli with great enthusiasm and the former India captain lived up to his cheerleaders' expectations by bringing up a hundred. He and Iyer completed India's chase with 90 balls to spare.