Rohit Sharma’s Remarkable Return to ODI Cricket
India captain Rohit Sharma made a triumphant comeback to ODI cricket after eight months, scoring a brilliant half-century during the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday, August 2 SL vs IND. The opening batter got his innings off to a spectacular start by smashing a massive six on just the second ball he faced against Asitha Fernando.
Explosive Start to the Innings
Chasing a target of 231, the Indian skipper wasted no time settling in. He danced down the track to launch Fernando over deep mid-wicket for a massive six. Rohit further accelerated with an outside edge that raced away for a boundary towards third man, taking him to 10 runs off just 5 balls.
DRS Saves Rohit
In the third over, Rohit was adjudged lbw against Fernando. However, the Decision Review System (DRS) saved him, as ball tracking showed the delivery missing the stumps. After this early reprieve, Rohit continued his aggressive approach, scoring 15 runs off Mohamed Shiraz.
Rapid Half-Century
The India captain brought up his half-century off just 33 balls with a boundary and a six against Akila Dananjaya. He was eventually dismissed for 58, trapped in front by Dunith Wellalage. Rohit’s innings was studded with seven fours and three sixes, giving India a phenomenal start with an opening partnership of 75 runs with Shubman Gill, who scored 16 off 35 balls.
Sri Lanka’s Innings
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka scored 230/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 56 off 75 balls, while Dunith Wellalage guided the team to a competitive score with his unbeaten 67 off 65 balls. For India, Arshdeep Singh (2/47) and Axar Patel (2/33) each picked up two wickets.
Rohit’s World Cup Mantra
Continuing his aggressive mantra from the World Cup, Rohit went after the bowling from the outset. He had previously lit up the World Cup by scoring 597 runs from 11 innings at an average of 54.27 and a thunderous strike rate of 125.94.