LONDON: Rohit Sharma hit a century at Lord’s on Sunday to lead his team’s chase in the series-deciding third ODI against England, while Virat Kohli outplayed visiting player Virat Kohli in England.
The veteran opener registered his 15th ODI score of 50 or more on English soil, with Kohli leading the way with 14. Rohit reached the milestone in just 30 innings compared to Kohli’s 35.
Among visiting players in England, Rohit now leads the list with 15 fifties, followed by Kohli (14), Rahul Dravid and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, who share the third spot with 13 each. Australia’s Michael Clarke and Aaron Finch have scored 10 runs along with New Zealand’s Ross Taylor.
The 39-year-old, after modest returns earlier in the series, smashed 138 off 110 balls at a strike rate of 125.45 with 17 fours and 5 sixes.
His innings also made him the first Indian player to score a century in an ODI at Lord’s.
Additionally, Rohit became the oldest Indian to score an ODI century and the oldest Indian batsman to score a century in all international formats.
At 39 years and 80 days, he broke the previous record of Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary batsman who scored an ODI century at 38 years and 327 days.
The century further enhanced Rohit’s impressive record in England. It was his eighth ODI century for the country, level with former England opener Marcus Trescothick.
Only Joe Root has scored more centuries in England with 10 ODI centuries, while Rohit has moved away from many international legends.
Rohit set the stage for India’s 388-run target with a 147-run opening partnership with skipper Shubman Gill, who scored 77 runs. Virat then added 113 runs for the second wicket with Kohli.
His memorable innings ended when left-arm spinner Jacob Bethel dropped him in the 39th over after his sweep attempt was thwarted. As Rohit walked back to the pavilion, the Lord’s crowd rose to applaud his tongue, while Kohli congratulated him by tapping his helmet.
At the time of his dismissal, India had reached 260-2 in Greece with Kohli not out, leaving the visitors in a good position to complete their most successful ODI chase at the home of cricket.
Earlier, England posted 387-3 after Ben Duckett scored 141 runs.
Joe Root remained unbeaten on 74, while Jos Buttler smashed an unbeaten 41 off 13 balls to take England to their highest ever ODI score at Lord’s.